THE principal of one of York's private schools is to retire after six years in charge and 33 years in a teaching career.

Adrienne Richmond will leave her role as The Mount's 19th principal at Christmas 2021.

The Mount's governing committee said that in her six years at the UK’s only all-girl Quaker school, Adrienne had made an immense contribution to the development of the school, helping to define and position the value of girls-only education.

"Adrienne has been integral to ensuring that the school is rigorous in its approach to educational quality and safeguarding issues," it said.

"In November 2018, the school was rated excellent, the highest-grade attainable, following an Independent School Inspection.

"Most recently Adrienne has steered the school with exceptional agility through the unforeseen challenges posed by Covid-19.

"This included enormous upheaval caused by the cancellation of public examinations and the introduction of Centre Assessed Grades.

"The school’s excellent exam results last year were a tribute and testament to all the hard work of Adrienne and her team in managing that process and supporting students."

The committee said that while everyone at the school was understandably sad to see her leave, they wished her all the best for the next stage of her life, returning to her family and home in Newcastle.

"The governing committee will now lead the recruitment process to identify the 20th Principal of The Mount School York," they said.

"The Mount is a truly special school, and we are confident we will attract another exceptional leader to take us to our next stage of development."