The head of Penryn College has left a “heartfelt” message to pupils, parents and staff on leaving the school after 22 years.

Tamsin Schouten announced she was leaving the school back in 2023 after two years as the headteacher. Before that she was deputy head for 19 years, with 33 years overall in teaching.

Posting on the Penryn College Facebook page she said really had had the time of her life at the school.

“My time deputy headteacher for 19 years and headteacher for two years will be something I will hold in my heart forever. It is such a privilege to work with so many people at the prime of their lives and watch them grow and develop into young adults,” she said.

Adding: “Our children need access to a wealth of opportunities for them to find and nurture their many talents.

“Our children get them in bucket loads here at Penryn College, both in and out of the curriculum, and it is always wonderful to watch them thrive in a whole variety of new situations.

“I really have had the time of my life and will take so many memories away with me over the years. I will miss this place immensely.”

She said she had loved her role at Penryn College where she had worked for 22 years, but after 33 years in teaching it was time to try something new for the last few years of her working life and was leaving teaching – something she had always planned to do.

“Penryn College will always hold a piece of my heart. It truly is a special place to work,” she said.

Governors have already been considering the process for appointing a new headteacher.