A HEAD teacher is retiring after more than 20 years working at the heart of a York community.

David Houghton joined St Aelred’s RC Primary School in Tang Hall 23 years ago as deputy head, before taking over the headship 13 years ago.

He will leave at Easter, aged 60, but says he will miss the pupils, teachers and staff.

Mr Houghton, who lives locally, said: “We have got truly wonderful children and a brilliant team of teachers. Our children’s families are always very supportive and our governors and the parish are completely committed to us. We also get great support from the local authority.”

Among the many changes during his time, Mr Houghton said the growth of the city’s universities, though good for the prosperity of the city, had meant fewer families and more students living in Tang Hall, reducing the number of children living nearby.

He said: “We have had a lot of families move out and not replaced by other families. When I started in 1989 we had 280 pupils, we now have 200, and whereas at one time we had 15 teachers and about 12 teaching assistants, we now have eight teachers and eight assistants.

"Last summer I had a walk around the streets and counted 105 estate agents’ boards; 100 of those were for properties to rent and only five for sale.”

Mr Houghton said he welcomed the arrival of the nearby Derwenthorpe development, saying: “Had Derwenthorpe been able to go ahead sooner it would have been a godsend. It is a pity there was so much initial objection to it.”

Pete Dwyer, director of education at City of York Council, said: “Dave has been at the heart of St Aelred’s RC Primary for more than 20 years and I thank him for his continuous and absolute commitment and dedication.”

Coun Janet Looker, cabinet member for education, said: “David has given really excellent service to the school and the community of St Aelred’s. He is very well respected by the children, parents, staff and governors, other head teachers and ourselves at City of York Council, and we all wish him well for the future.”

Mr Houghton, whose wife, Elizabeth, teaches at St Wilfrid’s RC Primary School in Monkgate, said he was looking forward to getting plenty of fresh air and exercise in his retirement.

The new head teacher, Gerard Eddy, has been appointed from a school in Teesside and starts after Easter.