Head teacher is to retire (From Gazette Series)

Head teacher is to retire

A PIONEERING headteacher who has led his school through 16 years of change and development will be retiring in August.

Governors of Rednock School in Dursley announced this week that John Pritchard would be leaving at the end of the current school year.

Chairman David Martin expressed the governors' regret at Mr Pritchard's departure.

"John has been an outstanding headteacher," said Mr Martin. "He has led the school through 16 years of significant change and development in the education world.

"The quality of the school under John's leadership has been recognised by many, including parents, the local education authority and Ofsted."

Mr Pritchard said he was sad to be leaving but that he believed both he and the school would benefit from a change.

"In many ways I shall be very sad to leave Rednock," he said. "It is an excellent school to work in, with very caring and supportive staff, students, parents and governors.

"There is always a great deal going on and I am sure that I will miss it after such a long time. My successor can look forward to a very enjoyable job and plenty of exciting challenges."

During his time Mr Pritchard has been a champion of Gloucestershire secondary schools.

He has represented the county's schools in funding discussions with Gloucestershire County Council, the Funding Agency for Schools and the Department for Education and Skills.

In this role he attended several meetings in Westminster during the 1990s and has been involved in discussions with four different Secretaries of State for Education.

The school, which now has 1,350 students, is currently working with the local education authority to plan for significant redevelopment of the Rednock site and buildings over the next ten years. The first phase of development is expected to start at Easter.