School’s out later as children – and teachers – around the Island look forward to a six-week summer holiday.

And it’s the end of an era at two primary schools where two long-serving heads are sbidding farewell.

Head of Ballaugh, Richard Clark, is standing down after a 37-year teaching career in the Island.

And all Rhodes – literally - will lead to retirement at Ballacottier where its only head John Rhodes is retiring after 33 years in teaching.

Pupils past and present, staff and parents went back to school yesterday afternoon for a karaoke party and afternoon tea to say farewell to a popular head – and there was even an ice-cream van on hand to serve more than 300 delighted children.

Mr Rhodes has no doubt of the school’s main strength.