The longest serving Headteacher on Merseyside is to retire – after educating two generations of children!
Dennis Hardiman, MBE, has been Headteacher of St. Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School in Fairfield since 1983.
And for the last 14 years he’s also been Headteacher of St. Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School in Stoneycroft.
Although both schools serve deprived areas of Liverpool, Dennis has ensured that the children achieve the best they can, which is reflected in SATs results and OFSTED inspections.
Dennis also established “The Field of Dreams Nursery“ at St. Sebastian’s, which opened in 2004.
St. Sebastian’s and St. Cuthbert’s Federated under one governing body with Dennis as Executive Headteacher in 2006.
Dennis received an MBE in 2017 for services to education, although he is still an American citizen.
St. Cuthbert’s has a brand new building which the children moved into in January, just before Lockdown.
Pat Moloney (Chair of School Governors) said “Mr. Hardiman is much loved and respected by the children, staff, parents and local communities who have seen what he has done for the children and the schools”.
Clare Bellis-Knox, who will be taking over from Dennis as Head of St. Cuthbert’s said “Dennis’s determination that only the best is good enough for our children inspires everyone in school to strive to achieve their best”
Jacqui Mulligan, who is taking over from Dennis as Head of St. Sebastian’s said “Dennis has steered our schools to many successes over so many years for which everyone is truly grateful”.
