School's out for teacher Jill after nearly 40 years

Head teacher Jill Stocks surrounded by Bonnybridge primary pupils oon her retirement day. Picture: Michael Gillen

Jill Stocks, headteacher at Bonnybridge Primary School for the past five years, said goodbye to her pupils at a special assembly before the summer break.

She started her career in education at Queen Street Nursery serving four years there before moving on to Bonnybridge primary’s nursery class for another four years.

She was then principal and a class teacher at Larbert Village for 11 years and spent 10 years as deputy head at Denny primary.

Born and bred a Bairn, Jill was educated at Bantaskin Primary School and Falkirk High School.

Jill said: “I have enjoyed my time as a teacher immensely. It is a tremendously rewarding job teaching children.

“I will really miss shaping young lives and being part of everyone’s lives in the schools’ communities has been great.”

Contrary to common perceptions of holidays being great for teachers, Jill will not miss the school holidays.

She added: “For the first time in my married life I can go on holiday whenever I want.”

Jill and husband Lawrence, who have two grown-up children, Linsey and Graeme, are planning a celebratory trip to the USA during term time this year – just because she can.