THE head teacher at a city secondary school is retiring next summer.

David Ellis has been at the helm at York High School in Acomb for the past decade and before that was at Oaklands School for two years. He oversaw the merger between Oaklands and Lowfield which lead to the creation of York High.

In a letter to parents Mr Ellis said: “It has been my absolute privilege to have been the first head teacher of the school for the last ten years, and for two years at Oaklands School prior to that.

“It has not been an easy decision.

“I am immensely proud of York High School and all of the young people and colleagues I have worked with since 2005.

“To have been given the chance to lead the creation and development of a new school is a rare opportunity and I cannot begin to explain what a wonderful experience it has been.

“My final duty over the remaining eight months is to work with governors, the local authority and colleagues to ensure a smooth and successful transition to the new leadership of the school.”

Mr Ellis said that he will be 56 in March next year and has only come to the decision to retire recently.

He said: “After I retire I’d like to watch the ashes in Australia.

"My wife retired last year and we’ve also talked about going to New Zealand so that might be on the cards.”

Mr Ellis said he has made the decision now that the school’s governors have plenty of time to find his replacement.

He said: “The turn around time for appointing a head teacher is at least six months so it’s right that I’ve made the decision now.”

Mr Ellis said parents will be kept fully informed about the process.

He said: “Parents can also be reassured that all of the staff at York High, including myself, will be continuing to work incredibly hard to ensure the success of the young people who come to our school every day.”