HAYDN LEWIS talks to the new man in charge of Tadcaster Grammar School.

A NEW man has been named to take over the top job at a North Yorkshire secondary school.

As The Press reported in January Geoff Mitchell, 62, who is currently the longest serving secondary school head teacher in North Yorkshire is retiring.

Mr Mitchell, who has been at the helm at Tadcaster Grammar School for 16 years, will leave at the end of August, and will be replaced by Martyn Sibley, who is currently the head at Sherburn High School. Mr Sibley was chosen from 16 candidates to take up his position with effect from September 1.

Mr Sibley is no stranger to Tadcaster Grammar School, having worked as deputy head for seven years, a post he held prior to moving to Sherburn, and his three children also attended Tadcaster Grammar.

Originally from London but having lived in Yorkshire for 34 years, Mr Sibley attended Leeds University where he received a degree in microbiology before taking up his training to be a teacher at the University of York.

During his teaching career, he has worked in five North Yorkshire schools, including Sherburn where he has been head teacher for the last five years. 

Mr Sibley said: “I am very sad to be leaving Sherburn. I am very proud of all we have achieved together with our great students and staff and a very supportive community. I am looking forward very much to a new challenge at Tadcaster and very excited about working there again.

It is a wonderful school.”

In a letter to parents, Philip Turnpenny, chair of governors said: “I am sure that you will all wish to congratulate Martyn on his success and look forward to him driving the school even further forward.

Mr Mitchell said:“The decision to retire required considerable thought and reflection. I concluded that it was the right time, both for the school and for me, but that still left me feeling a little anxious about who would take over from me, as I feel so passionate about this school and its students.

“However, I feel totally reassured by the governors’ appointment and am absolutely delighted that Martyn has been selected as the new head teacher. I have known Martyn for many years, through his association with this school and I have every confidence that he will be the driving force to take Tadcaster Grammar School to its next chapter and that I will be leaving the students in good hands.”

Maria Williams, deputy head teacher at Sherburn, paid her own tribute to Mr Sibley. She said: “Martyn has been a truly inspirational head teacher and a great leader. He has had a huge impact on all staff and students here and has helped to move this school forward.