Teacher Isobel Moore will step down from her role as head of languages at Wootton Bassett School next month after breaking both her wrists in a horrific car crash in December.

Mrs Moore, 58, who been at the school for 35 years, only returned to work in May this year, but has decided to take semi-retirement in July so she can make a full recovery and spend more time with her two month old grandson.

She said: “I wasn’t planning to take semi-retirement but I am still recovering from the accident. I have never really had time off during my 35 years here until now, but the children have all been very supportive since I came back – they carry my books for me, if I ask.”

Mrs Moore joined the school in 1974 shortly after it became a comprehensive and has fond memories of the old school site.

“The old buildings had real character and I have lots of happy memories,” she said.

“I remember teaching in ‘the tower’ which used to get quite chilly when the wind blew. The facilities we have now are a huge improvement.

“The students haven’t really changed, the vast majority are courteous, motivated and keen to do well. It’s a pleasure now to be teaching the children of some former students.”

Mrs Moore will return to the school in September on a part-time basis and will continue to teach languages, but hopes to spend her free time with her family as well as travelling the world.

She said: “A lot of the things I enjoy doing I can’t do at the moment because of my wrists, but I am looking forward to spending time with my family and I hope to continue to travel. The school has been a huge part of my life which I will miss immensely when I do eventually retire.

“You can’t get through a day in teaching without laughing at something with somebody – you never have two days the same, so I will miss it all, it’s a lovely environment. I have a team of very talented and hardworking staff here.

“I’ve worked all my life at this school and I’m quite proud to be able to say that. This school will be written in my heart.”