Obituary: Lorraine Hanson, headteacher

Born Lorraine Simpson in Huddersfield, she went to Deighton Secondary School before taking up work at the National Provincial Bank.

After marrying John Hanson in 1971, she moved to Newmillerdam, where their two children, David and Anne, were born, and it was during this time that she and John became foster parents to a number of teenagers.

She then realised that her real interest lay in teaching so, after studying at Bretton Hall College, she began her career at Crofton Priory School. She later taught at Wakefield Prison and Greenhill Primary, and was deputy headteacher at Vale Primary School, Knottingley, and headteacher of St John’s CE Primary School, Wakefield.

During her time at St John’s she trained as an Ofsted inspector and also worked for the Diocese of Wakefield, interviewing and selecting candidates for ordination.

After her retirement from teaching she continued her inspection work and worked for Wakefield Council’s Teacher Training Scheme.

She is survived by John, the children and five grandchildren.