A teacher who has completed her 40th year in the profession, has been honoured by staff and pupils.

Jenny Butcher, who is currently Assistant Director of Sixth Form at the Oasis Academy in Coulsdon, began her long and influential career by teaching Food Technology at the former Selhurst High and Monks Hill schools.

In 1985, Mrs Butcher started teaching at Taunton Manor High, which later became Coulsdon High School and, most recently, Oasis Academy.

Principal of the Academy, David Millar, said: “Jenny is an outstanding teacher and I would like to thank her for all the opportunities she provides for our students.”

The grandmother of two received a large bouquet and congratulatory balloon from staff at the school, and awaits a letter of thanks from Steve Chalke, Director of Oasis, which will be presented to her in a special ceremony during the school’s upcoming half term assembly.

Mrs Butcher said of her decades of teaching: “I have been part of so many changes in education, but I can honestly say that life has never been boring"