A DORSET school community came together to mark the 80th birthday of a former headteacher who went on to buy it.

Natalie Covell joined Yarrells School as headmistress in 1989, and in 1992 purchased the establishment with husband, Tony.

To this day, she remains involved in school activities, playing a supportive role in the arts department, attending assemblies and listening to readers regularly.

Yarrells, in Upton, near Poole, is housed in a Georgian mansion and surrounding classroom buildings encircled by the gardens, fields, sports courts, swimming pool and woodland of its own estate.

And a spokesperson said Natalie’s deep love for nature – “for the birds that sing in the trees, for the beauty of the environment, and for the trees themselves” – has been woven into the fabric of the school.

“She has always believed that education extends beyond textbooks – that it’s in the air we breathe, the soil beneath our feet, and the beauty of the world that surrounds us,” they said.

“Her great love of the arts is embedded throughout the entire curriculum and every child is given the opportunity to shine and to feel significant.”

Owner Natalie joins staff to celebrate her 80th birthday

At a special tree planting to mark Natalie’s big day, Clare Cunningham, Yarrells’ new headteacher, praised her vision, passion and tireless commitment.

A crab apple tree (Malus floribunda), with pupils from Yarrells Nursery (called, of course, Greenwood) taking part in the planting.

Head gardener, Stuart Hill, will take care of the tree, as the school sees it bloom and takes a moment to be reminded of Natalie’s love of nature.

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Clare added: “Having worked at Yarrells for many years, my absolute passion has always been to provide an outstanding educational environment for children: one that is warm, nurturing and provides space for a meaningful, rich and rigorous curriculum.

“All the doors of opportunity are open for our young people and the children at Yarrells are able to explore their identities and their talents fully so that they grow both their self-confidence and their skills to meet life’s challenges with relish.

“We welcome you to visit us to see first-hand the opportunities on offer here and are grateful to Natalie for the school that she has dedicated her life to.”