THE headteacher of Prince Henry’s High School has announced he will retire next year after almost 20 years in the job.

Bernard Roberts, who has been at the helm of the school since 1993, announced his intention to step down this week.

He said: “It has been a great privilege being head of Prince Henry’s and I have been proud to work with such excellent young people and staff. It really is a wonderful place to work.

“I will be 60 next year and although I still feel full of energy, enthusiasm and determination I feel now is the right time to move on.

“In many ways the circumstances are perfect for someone new to come in and take the school successfully into the next phase of its development.”

The school has a rich history and dates back 600 years to the time of the Benedictine monks.

Impressive exam results this year saw 98 per cent of its pupils gain five or more A* to C grades at GCSE – up by one per cent on last year. While at A-level the school’s average pupil point score jumped from 820 last year to 837, compared to the national average score of 732.

Chairman of governors Steve Butcher said: “Bernard Roberts has been an exceptional headteacher and in his years at Prince Henry’s has achieved a great deal, including attaining ‘outstanding’ Ofsted status on several occasions. The school, its pupils and staff have flourished under his guidance.

“We will be sorry to see him leave but thank him for all he has done and wish him a long and enjoyable retirement.”