Celebrating a Legend: Alistair Budd’s Remarkable Journey at Upperwood Academy

The village of Darfield bids farewell to a cherished figure as Alistair Budd, the principal of Upperwood Academy, retires after an impressive 29 years of dedicated service. Known affectionately as a ‘legend of Darfield,’ Budd’s career began as a deputy head at the age of 28, and he steadily rose through the ranks to become principal in 2008.

Friday, July 19, marked Budd’s final day at the school, a place he has seen evolve and thrive over nearly three decades. Reflecting on his tenure, the 57-year-old shared, “I came here at 28 – it was a lovely school then and it’s a lovely school now. I’m teaching the children of pupils that I’ve taught in the past. It’s been a pleasure to support the children of Darfield for so long.”

Throughout his career, Budd has been praised for his leadership and the supportive environment he fostered among his staff. As he prepares for retirement, he looks forward to stepping away from the daily grind of emails and enjoying some well-deserved relaxation and travel.

In a recent podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mr. Budd, where we discussed his illustrious career and his experiences over the years. During our conversation, we indulged in some delicious food from Hellen’s in Wombwell. Budd shared insights into his journey, his approach to education, and the many lessons he’s learned along the way.

In a light-hearted moment, I took a daring leap and told him some Romanian jokes, despite knowing from locals not to ask him about jokes. I must admit, my attempts were no match for his seasoned storytelling skills, and I’ve got much to learn in the art of joke-telling.

As Darfield celebrates Mr Budd’s remarkable contributions, his legacy at Upperwood Academy will undoubtedly be remembered fondly by students, parents, and colleagues alike. Here’s to a well-earned retirement filled with relaxation and new adventures for a true educational icon.

Food was provided by Hellen’s Sandwich Bar https://www.hellensandwichbar.co.uk/

Book – Coloring for Mindfulness https://amzn.eu/d/0abnrw18