The 59-year-old, who has led staff and pupils at the Old Town school for seven years, started out as a student teacher at Campion High School for Girls in 1971.

Having introduced an arts week and a range of sporting and cultural activities to Shrubland Street, Mrs Dorling feels satisfied with her time at the school and is proud of the children's achievements.

She said: "I am proud of the children - they always do their best for us.

"We're known as a friendly school and are often praised for how quiet and well-behaved the children are."

Taking the youngsters to see a pantomime at the Belgrade, giving them the chance to sing with thousands at a Young Voices choral performance at the NEC in Birmingham and organising an Africa week are among Mrs Dorling's favourite moments at the school.

She said: "I think it's important for children to have as many experiences as possible.

"I have often told parents that if children leave Shrubland knowing how to learn and wanting to learn, I will be satisfied."

Since her career began at Campion, Mrs Dorling has taught in Coventry, Sydenham and Solihull and spent time working for the Intercultural Support Services, helping children whose first language is not English.

The grandmother-of-five moved on to become deputy headteacher at Clapham Terrace Primary School before taking up her post at Shrubland Street.

She said: "There are three members of staff here who are my ex-pupils and, funnily enough, one of them interviewed me for my job here.

"I even have an ex-pupil who is now a grandmother!"

During her career, Mrs Dorling has seen many changes in the teaching profession.

She said: "Teaching is very different now to when I started.
"It's very pressurised and there's a lot of work for teachers, but they give a lot to children.

"I have enjoyed being with children and seeing them learn and being enthused by learning."

Past and present staff members threw Mrs Dorling a leaving party at St Patrick's Irish Club last Friday, during which they presented her with a Pandora charm bracelet.

She now plans to spend more time with her grandchildren and take trips on her canal boat with her husband and dog, but she will miss being a teacher.

She said: "I have very mixed feelings because I do believe you should go on to new things, but I will miss the children, staff and parents so very much.

"I look forward to being invited back for visits."