From left: Yazmin Yusef, Faiza Khan, Rachael Campbell, Nasima Rashid, Basma Assous, Sean O’Regan and Fatima Uddinahmed

Published: 2 August, 2012
by PAVAN AMARA

THE couple who turned a Camden primary school from failing to “outstanding”, are leaving the borough for good amid many tears.

Headteacher Sean O’Regan and assistant headteacher Nasima Rashid married in 1998 after meeting at Edith Neville Primary School in Ossulston Street.

Working at the school for 22 years each, they turned the school from a playground where prostitutes disposed of used needles and condoms to the latest 2012 Ofsted inspection which rated it as “outstanding” and “good” in every area.

Now the couple are leaving to start a new life in Jersey with their three children, two of whom attended the school.

The school’s 260 pupils wrote and acted in a play called The Story of Sean and Nasima telling how the couple met on a part-time masters degree course and soon fell in love following a Valentine’s Day date.

Ex-students, governors, and parents crowded out the assembly hall as emotional tributes were paid.

Rachael Campbell, 22, who has graduated from Warwick University and attended the school, said: “I love Sean and Nasima.
Many of us do, this place is a second home to any of us who were here.

“We will never forget Sean and Nasima, we can’t.
“You have left us with real treasures, confidence, trust, love, and we couldn’t ask for better.”

Mr O’Regan said they were leaving due to family circumstances, and had considered “any way possible” to continue at the school, but in the end found it was “impossible”.

“Thanks to the parents who have sent us such amazing children,” he said. “I tried to work out how many children me and Nasima had taught over 22 years but the number was too vast.

"I would have come to work by helicopter if I could, and I don’t want to go to any other school, this school and the children here are our lives. This school is Somers Town, it’s Camden, and it’s London, and all those layers make it so wonderful. Edith Neville will always be in our hearts, and it is very difficult for us both to leave.”

The couple were presented with two bouquets of flowers and dozens of presents from children.