A THURROCK teacher described as 'a legend' after spending his career at one school has retired after teaching children who became parents of pupils and then grandparents of his students.

Mike Cobb, 69, from Stafford Close, Linford, started at Gable Hall secondary school as a science teacher in 1975, after attending Cambridge University for his post-graduate degree.

He retires after 45 years at the school, and has watched three generations of students go through Ortu Gable Hall, now part of the Ortu Federation.

He began teaching science and upholding a number of managerial jobs until 2006. After working in the Science department for 30 years, he took up voluntary roles on the school's farm until he returned to a part-time position as stockman.

Mike believes in a broad curriculum and felt that it was important for a school to have a farm, to facilitate land based qualifications and simply to nurture children's love for animals.

Being a well-known member of staff in the community for decades has meant Mike has seen generations of Ortu Gable Hall students flood the halls. Some of his students are now teachers at the school.

He says: "Many senior members of staff at the school now were past pupils of mine. Many of the children at the school now are grandchildren of my very first students and I am so proud of what they have achieved."

One of his most treasured memories as a staff member was working on the farms at Ortu Gable Hall and assisting in the farming clubs.

"I'm glad I got involved with the farm, there has been one at the school since the 1960s. I took many subjects in the science department and one of my favourites was then called Rural Studies, which became Agricultural Science. These went along nicely with the clubs that I've been involved in for decades. It is good to see that successive leaders of the school have seen the value of maintaining the Farm, and I am glad that the Farm has a new stockman and will continue to thrive after my retirement."

"Like many other schools at the time, I've seen Gable Hall turn into a fully comprehensive school, meaning a massive increase in the number of staff needed. The way the school looks has changed too, with many refurbishments, some still ongoing.

But throughout the years, Mike says the thing that has kept him attracted to Gable Hall is the immense community aspect at the school, the warmth and mutual respect within the staff, and between staff and local residents.

"Some people in teaching stay for two or three years and move on. I find people much more interesting once you get to know the families and start teaching their children, and now their grandchildren. You get to know the local families and they get to know you. That's when teaching becomes socially meaningful."

Mike's final day at the school was Friday 6 of November, when he was sent-off by staff and students. He will be spending his retirement relaxing at home and working on his garden.

"I'll miss talking to lots of people every day and the community aspect of the school. I'll still see some of the staff as a few live locally and I've worked with many of them for years and years."

"I couldn't have a leaving assembly because of COVID but being able to teach generations of students is celebration enough."

A statement from Gable Hall said: "All the staff, students, past and present, and the Gable Hall community wish Mike the very best in his retirement and thank him for the years of service he has given to the school and the community.

Headteacher Ceri evans summed him us simply: "A true legend."