A headteacher who will retire this term after more than a decade in the role has asked her pupils what they want from her replacement.

Angela Phillips will be leaving Parker's Primary School at Saham Toney, near Watton, at Christmas after 14 years in the job.

The school has advertised for a new headteacher and Mrs Phillips wanted to ensure the 100 youngsters got someone who really met their needs.

She said: 'I talked to the children about what they would like from the new headteacher. They said they wanted someone who was firm but fair, made sure they learned, who was fun to be with and took them on residential visits.'

Mrs Phillips said she hoped that was what the many children she had watched pass through the school had experienced over the last 14 years.

Over that time the Church of England school has changed dramatically and many of those developments – like the arrival of the internet and interactive white boards – have helped the headteacher learn new skills alongside the youngsters.

But she has always enjoyed one of the more traditional educational experiences most – school trips. Mrs Phillips, who also praised her staff, said: 'The children are super and are always keen to learn.

'I have always been proud of them when we have taken them out anywhere.'

Interaction with the community was one of a number of areas judged outstanding in the village school's last Ofsted inspection – its best ever.