WHITCHURCH Primary School is to have a new headteacher, after the present principal Ricci Achillini leaves at the end of the autumn term.
Mr Achillini is due to take up a position at a school at Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire in January 2001 — the relocation means he will be re-joining his family who have already moved to North London.
Mr Achillini said he has very fond memories indeed of his eight years at Whitchurch.
'I'm very sad to leave — it's made it quite difficult searching for a new job, having to leave such a lovely school as Whitchurch.
'They are fantastic children, great parents — you just couldn't ask for anything more,' he said.
John Barrett, chairman of governors, said Mr Achillini had seen the school through many changes during his eight years as headteacher, including moving to a new campus.
He said Mr Achillini has guided the school to the point where the Ofsted action plan was almost complete and this year's SATS results for key stage 2 were some of the best ever.
'We are now looking to recruit — the advert will be going out just after the summer break,' said Mr Barrett, who wished Mr Achillini luck in his new school.
Deputy head Sue Whiteman will be acting head after Christmas, until the appointment of a new headteacher.