THE head teacher at Bootham School, in York, Ian Small, is to retire after 15 years in the post.

Mr Small will be replaced by the current deputy head of Bedales School in Hampshire, Jonathan Taylor, in September 2004.

Mr Taylor, 47, is an Oxford graduate in English and is married with three sons.

Bootham's clerk of committee, Brian Jardine, said: "I would first like to put on record my thanks to our headmaster, Ian Small.

"It is a true reflection of Ian's excellent leadership over the past 15 years that Bootham is today one of the country's most respected schools in educational circles.

"The committee have seen that Jonathan will nurture and support the Quaker values which are at the heart and soul of Bootham."

Mr Taylor said "I am very excited about joining Bootham School and feel privileged at being asked to serve the community as headmaster.

"My wife Nicola and I look forward to moving to York next year and in the meantime, learning all we can about this very special school and the welcoming staff who work here."

Updated: 10:40 Tuesday, June 17, 2003