TAVISTOCK College is to have a new principal, following the announcement this week that John Simes, the present head, is to retire next Easter.
Mr Simes came to the college in April 1998 and in the last seven years has overseen big changes, including the introduction of a year system, a new timetable with staggered breaks and construction of a multi-million pound international centre.
But now, aged 53, he and his wife, Jo, have decided to retire early from teaching ? the news was announced to staff on Tuesday.
Mr Simes said: ?We have been thinking about it for the last year, but I really wanted to get the college through its next Ofsted inspection.
?With a first grandchild coming this year, it makes you think completely differently and suddenly we really wanted some key things to change? hence the decision.
The head intends to spend next summer concentrating on a children?s literature project he has already started ? then he and his wife will be heading to New Zealand for the winter to see his daughter.
?I was saying to the staff last week that when I came to the college, there were certain weaknesses.
?I feel we have dealt with those and we have a tremendous team of teachers and support staff that I just couldn?t better.
?I?ve had the privilege of appointing some of the best professionals I have ever known.
?I know that any challenge that comes to this school, any new government initiative or any event that occurs, I only have to go down the corridor and there?s someone willing to take it on and others to go with them ? you can?t ask for more than that.?
He said Tavistock and the surrounding area was ?buzzing? with exceptional and creative people.
?There is the initiative for a music centre developing here ? I would like to see more for the other arts, or science. There is a ?can do? attitude that is very stimulating.?
There were regrets ? not being able to put a roof on the school swimming pool ? and still seeing the playing fields flooded. There were ?frustrating and draining? delays before work started on the International Centre.
He said his successor may look to expand the college?s horizons.
?There are so many strengths at the school we could do virtually anything and I think the new principal and governors will look hard at that ? it?s a big opportunity to take us in a new direction,? he said.
New technology would also play a huge role and Mr Simes looked forward to the day when webcams would bring a new meaning to the partnership between Tavistock College and Ndeeba Senior School in Uganda, which the college was helping raise money for a new library roof.
The procedure for appointing Mr Simes? successor at Tavistock College, one of the biggest schools of its type in the country, will start very soon.