Sidmouth College has bid farewell to a longstanding senior vice principal who is retiring this month.

Julie Capewell has worked at the school for 23 years, tackling the role of teacher, deputy head and acting head, and become known as the presenter of assemblies on pets.

She has lived in East Devon with her husband Warwick since they left university but now they are leaving Cullompton for the Cotswolds.

“I’ve loved being in Sidmouth and at the college, it’s become a very vibrant place to be,” she said.

“Warwick’s partly retired already – it’s just a question of me catching up with him to become voluntarily unwaged.”

She said it will be a shock leaving something she has done for more than 30 years, and hopes to stay in education – but studying French rather than teaching it.

“Thank you, everyone, for how you have enriched my life,” she said.

“It goes without saying that I shall miss you all, but will be following closely the college’s upward trajectory.”

Julie’s colleagues Julia Lee and Sue Hurley said they would particularly miss her.

They said: “Julie has made a valuable contribution to the success of our school, and her assemblies have been a joy to behold.

“In particular, with a passion for cats, her ‘cat food’ assembly will never be forgotten!”

Sidmouth College principal Kenny Duncan said: “We wish her well in her future adventures.

“I am confident that Julie will maintain a close relationship with the College after her retirement and we will endeavour to keep her closely in touch with our progress and achievements.”