ERMYSTED'S Grammar School will have a new headteacher from the start of the new school year next September following the retirement of Graham Hamilton.

In a letter to parents, Mr Hamilton said it had been a privilege to be the Skipton school's headteacher and he paid tribute to the "outstanding" staff and students.

He said it had been a difficult decision, but after 34 years in teaching, including eight as headteacher of Ermysted's, he would leave the school in August.

Until then, it will be "business as usual".

"Ermysted’s is an exceptional school with outstanding staff and students and I thoroughly enjoy my work here," he said.

"I could not have asked for a better school in which to work as a deputy and as headteacher."

He added: "However, this is an opportunity to seek a different work-life balance and the possibility of exploring life beyond the classroom."

Mr Hamilton has been headteacher for eight years and was in charge when the school received an 'outstanding' report from Ofsted.

Before becoming headteacher, he was one of the school's deputies to former head, Tom Ashworth. The school consistently appears amongst the highest in the county and in the country for its pupils' performance at both GCSE and A Levels, and is currently part-way through building a new sixth form block.

Mr Hamilton added: "I firmly believe I am simply the custodian of the school, and I hope I pass it on to my successor in as fine a shape and condition as I received it eight years ago.

"It has been a privilege to serve the students and parents and be allowed to play such a vitally important part in [their] lives.

"Teaching is the only job I ever wanted to do and it has never disappointed me. As a career, it has been hugely rewarding, and I recommend it to young people aware of the pleasure and satisfaction it has given me."

He added his thanks to parents for their support and said he would give the governing body every assistance in securing his replacement.