A school has paid tribute to the “passionate commitment” of its outgoing headteacher, as she prepares to leave Watford to work with children in Africa.

After four-and-a-half years in charge, Nicky Williams announced she would step down as principal of Francis Combe Academy, in Horseshoe Lane, earlier this year.

Last September, she oversaw the school's transformation into an academy. It is now set to begin a £25million redevelopment.

And during a day of fundraising, £3,000 was collected to be donated towards a charity of Ms Williams' choice.

Anthony Taylor, staff governor, said: “What will we miss most when Nicky leaves? For some it will be her dynamic push for ever higher standards, for others it will be her words of encouragement and promise of reward to celebrate every success, and others it will be her passionate commitment and care to ensure that all children at Francis Combe can enjoy their education in safety and comfort.

“It is the measure of Nicky Williams that her next destination after Francis Combe will be the poverty stricken streets of Africa, to work in a school for orphans.

“We all know she will be giving them the same care and dedication she gave Francis Combe. We wish her well.”