AN INFLUENTIAL figure who dedicated more than 40 years to help William Edwards School flourish has retired.

Deputy headteacher Ralph Henderson has notched up a string of impressive achievements including never taking a day off during his 41 year career.

Mr Henderson, who has taught in the same classroom since he came to the school in 1970, has vowed to continue inspiring young people in the community through his work with Thurrock rugby club.

Mr Henderson, 62, praised the staff and students for making his job the best he ever had.

He said: “I have had the pleasure of teaching many young people and knowing I have made a difference in their lives is a fantastic feeling.

“It has been a great part of my life and just to have been part of this wonderful community is an honour.

“There have been many highlights since I came to William Edwards including the school being voted as the best school in Britain in 1992.”

In 2008 he was made MBE for his dedicated services to education, which has seen him teach 15,000 pupils.

Mr Henderson, who played rugby before turning to teaching, still holds the world record for the highest number of drop-goals in rugby in a single session.

He added: “I want to continue making Thurrock a fantastic place to be and help put young people in sport on the map.

“My secretary Julie Staff has also retired and I want to thank her for a fantastic partnership. She has been on of the greatest ambassadors for the school.”

Deborah Hulme-Sheffield, assistant headteacher at the school said: “He has inspired generations of young people with the ambition to achieve, the confidence to believe in themselves and to strive towards their goals.

“Ralph will be greatly missed by students and colleagues, past and present and we all wish him well in his future projects.”