Alwyn always knew she wanted to be a teacher. As a little girl growing up in Bradford, she would line up her dolls on the bottom step of the stairs, turning them into pupils as she played at running her own classroom.

That childhood dream became reality when Alwyn secured a place at Whiteland’s College in Putney in 1944, qualifying as a teacher two years later before embarking on a career in education that would span more than four decades.

Through hard work and determination, Alwyn rose through the profession, becoming deputy headteacher in 1967 before taking on the role of acting headteacher in 1970.

After stepping away from teaching in 1971 to spend more time with her young family, Alwyn thought her career in education had come to an end. But just a few years later, she was asked to return when her former school needed experienced leadership.

Accepting the challenge, Alwyn became headteacher in 1976 and went on to lead the school until her retirement in 1989.

Remembered as a headteacher who was "firm but fair", she earned the respect of pupils, staff and parents alike.

One of her proudest achievements came during the final years of her career when she oversaw the construction of a new school hall. 

The hall was completed on schedule and, in recognition of Alwyn's commitment to the school, she was invited back the following year to officially open The Mrs Coar Building, cutting the ribbon alongside former pupil and author Jilly Cooper.

As she celebrated her 100th birthday at Fremantle Court, surrounded by her two daughters, grandchildren, and members of the care team - when presented with a birthday card from Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Alwyn's sense of humour was on full display.

She smiled and said:

"She's a beautiful woman, you know."

Deepthi Jose, Home Manager at Fremantle Court, said:

"Alwyn has lived such an inspiring life and still has a wonderful sense of humour. We loved hearing how, as a little girl, she would turn the bottom of the stairs into a classroom before going on to become such a respected headteacher. To have a school building named after her is an incredible achievement and says so much about the impact she had on generations of children and colleagues. It was a privilege for all of us to celebrate such a special birthday with Alwyn and her family."

To mark the occasion, the home was decorated with balloons and bunting, while the chef baked a special birthday cake for family members and staff to enjoy together as everyone joined in singing Happy Birthday.

For Alwyn, who first dreamed of teaching while arranging her dolls into neat rows on the staircase at home, turning 100 was another memorable chapter in a life dedicated to learning, leadership and family.