Popular Bideford College PE teacher is hanging up his whistle after three decades

Bideford College is bidding farewell to dedicated PE teacher Mark Ashcroft on Wednesday (July 23) as he retires after 32 years at the school.

Mark’s first job when he left Exeter University was Bideford College and since then he has become a pillar of the PE department, hosting many after school clubs, taking students to fixtures and tournaments and staging in-house sports days and competitions.

He is currently the longest-serving member of staff at the school and has taught children who now teach there themselves, as well as multiple generations within families.

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When Mark arrived at Bideford he took charge of the rugby, boys’ cross country and athletics. He later took over the girls' football and helped with Ten Tors and D of E expedition training on Dartmoor.

In fact, he ran clubs and teams in most sports that you could think of - badminton, tennis, football, swimming and basketball.

Above: Mark Ashcroft may be retiring as a Bideford College PE teacher but he still plays rugby for Bideford RFC.

He particularly enjoyed extra-curricular sport and is especially proud of the rugby teams who became North Devon champions in 15 and seven-a-side, the athletes who went on to represent Devon, England and Great Britain and the girls' U15 football team that made the county final this year.

Bideford College principal Claire Ankers said for over three decades he had been a cornerstone of the PE department.

She added: “His passion for sport, coupled with an extraordinary commitment to our students' development, has left an indelible mark on Bideford College.

“From cheering on teams in all weathers to guiding our Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh participants through demanding challenges, Mark has consistently gone above and beyond.

“His legacy of fostering teamwork, resilience, and a love of physical activity will continue to inspire us. We wish him a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”

Mark is married to Gillian and they have three children and one granddaughter. He has always enjoyed sport and still plays for Bideford RFC, sometimes on one wing with his youngest son on the other wing!

He has also completed marathons, triathlons, national and Yorkshire Three Peaks challenges (with his children) and is a keen Latin and ballroom dancer, with his wife.

Mark said: “In my early career I mainly taught at Moreton Park before the cross country course disappeared and before Bideford College was completely rebuilt with Astro Turf pitches, MUGAs and amazing indoor facilities.

“I have been privileged to work with lots of elite sports performers but also enjoyed organising primary school festivals too.”

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Recalling some humorous moments, he added: “I remember a few excuse notes, such as the child who had been stepped on by a cow and the one who was seeing a psycho (physio)!

“I have worked with many amazing colleagues and loved the PE Department tennis games and staff five-a-side football.

“I’m not sure what I’ll be doing after retiring from teaching after 32 years, but I’m already doing some grass cutting!”

Gillian added: “Mark has always been dedicated to his job. After being present at the birth of our third child in the morning, Mark then went to referee an after school rugby match before starting his paternity leave!

“He has also given up countless evenings and weekends to ensure that pupils had sporting and outdoor education opportunities.”