Mark Stephenson has been head teacher at Witton-le-Wear Primary School for the last 18 years. With a total of 35 years in education Mr Stephens thought the end of 2020 was a good time to retire. Mark Stephenson said: “Most teachers get a quiet year before leaving but I have had a pandemic, there been a lot cancelled at the school but it hasn’t damped our community spirit. “I am feeling a mixture of things, I am looking forward to the future and what it brings but sad about leaving. “For the last 18 years I have left my family at home to come to my family at the school.