When 80-year-old Mary Jackson began teaching in 1944, she had 54 children in her class, three to a desk and a bell rang every 15 minutes to announce a change of subject. Over 60 years later, Mary is still teaching, providing regular supply cover at Shanklin CE Primary on the Isle of Wight and though class sizes have got smaller, the experience is just as enjoyable. I suppose it fulfilled something in me that was there from the beginning and I know I can help, she explains. In Doncaster, 66-year-old Tony Storey OBE is also defying the norm. Tony is the longest serving headteacher in the country. His leadership was highly praised in the school's most recent OFSTED report and his constant attention to detail has put the school at the top of Doncaster's value added tables. Most teachers retire in their mid-fifties and half of the profession are expected to leave in the next 10 years, so teachers like Mary Jackson and Tony Storey are certain to be in demand.

Video Series: Inspirations
Release Date 2005