Leighton Buzzard teacher retires after 38 years at Vandyke Upper School

Assistant Headteacher and Director of Sixth Form, Sean Downey, enjoyed a small, socially-distanced gathering on July 17, as he was presented with a painting from art teacher Dave Mitchell and two albums full of kind messages.

Staff and students, past and present, sent him their best wishes, and Mr Downey, who joined the school aged just 21 in 1982, said he will treasure the words “forever”.

He said: “It was truly overwhelming and humbling to receive so many lovely messages.

“Over the years I have worked with some incredibly inspirational colleagues.

“I adore the students and it’s been a real privilege to serve them, their families and the community. It really is the best job in the world.”

During his time at Vandyke, Mr Downey’s roles have included Strategic Lead for Careers Education, Information and Guidance; Head of House for Icknield; Director of Sport; and Pastoral Lead across the school. He has also overseen Key Stage 4 and taught subjects including PE, History and Politics. There were many school trips to be enjoyed, too, even the chance to see the Soviet Union.

Mr Downey, who grew up in Leeds, originally applied for the job at Vandyke to gain interview practice, and never imagined that he would still be there nearly 40 years later.

He said: “Some people often ask me how on earth I have stayed in the same place. One, I love the school and the community, and two, different heads have been willing to promote me at the right time.”

Commenting on one of his favourite moments, he answered: “At the Sixth Form Ball, when you stand back and think ‘Wow, look at all these wonderful young people; I have played a part in developing them to take their place in the world’.”

The headteacher of Vandyke Upper School, Tim Carroll, also sent a special message to the Leighton Buzzard Observer for Sean Downey.

Mr Carroll said: “Vandyke is a great place to be and a hard place to leave and Sean Downey is living proof of that.

“Sean’s contribution to our school has been enormous and the impact he has had on generations of students through the school immense.

“A senior member of staff of long standing, in recent years he has led the outstanding Vandyke Sixth Form – as he has every role he has fulfilled in the school – with energy and passion and determination to do the very best for our young people.

“It has been a privilege to work with Sean and I know that literally thousands of people across the town remember ‘Mr Downey’ fondly and will wish him well.”

Mr Downey, who lives in Linslade with his wife, Eileen, said: “A huge thank you to Angela Donnelly, Clare Fahy our Sixth Form Manager, and my daughter, Emer, who helped to organise this.

“It was a wonderful surprise. Thanks too to Tim Carroll for his wonderful speech and to all the staff and students for their amazing gifts and cards on Friday.”