A Richmond-based language tutor marks three decades of helping local children discover the joys of learning French and Spanish.

Joy Jermy, a former primary school teacher and long-time resident of Richmond upon Thames, has dedicated the last three decades to teaching languages through the specialist children's publisher La Jolie Ronde.

Jermy's teaching journey began in the early 1980s in her hometown of Bournemouth, where she taught English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).

Her career soon took her overseas, from Istanbul to Riyadh — where she even taught the grandchildren of King Fahad — and later to Kuwait, before returning to the UK to raise her young family.

In the mid-1990s, looking for a way to balance teaching with family life, the teacher discovered La Jolie Ronde's language classes for children.

What began with a small group — including her own sons and their friends — quickly grew into a local network of classes across Twickenham, Teddington and Richmond.

At her peak, Jermy was teaching more than 500 pupils a week in French and Spanish, while managing a team of ten tutors.

She also played a key role in supporting other teachers, becoming La Jolie Ronde's first-ever Area Support Advisor, helping grow the network across the region.

Speaking on her milestone, Jermy said: "People often ask if I regret not staying within the traditional teaching system, and my answer is always the same – not at all!

"While I may not have a funded pension or paid holidays, I have gained something far more special – the freedom and flexibility to teach while being the master of my own destiny."

At La Jolie Ronde's annual network meeting, Jermy was presented with a 30-year service award and a special gift from the company's founder, Colette Hallam, who originally appointed her.

General Manager of La Jolie Ronde, Steve Baker, praised Jermy's contribution.

Baker commented: "Joy's commitment, passion, and dedication over the years are truly remarkable. Her enthusiasm for language teaching and her ability to inspire students have left a lasting impact.

"This milestone is a testament to her hard work and the positive influence she continues to have."

The Richmond teacher added: "Since I started teaching, Spain has had five prime ministers, France four, and the UK nine — but I'm still here!"

Jermy continues to teach and inspire young students across Twickenham, Teddington and Richmond.

To find out more about La Jolie Ronde click here.

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