A hard act to follow at a leading school

The end of a very notable era.

Tony Campbell's tenure has been stamped from first to last by a single-minded determination to take St Richard's to the top.

This determination has been all-embracing for it has not only encompassed academic excellence but guidance in the faith, in concern for others and in citizenship.

The success with which he has led a devoted team of staff and governors over two decades has been proclaimed in the string of examination successes achieved by students, by the acclaim which the school has won and by last year's well-merited award of the OBE for Mr Campbell's work.

Critics will surely say that St Richard's is selective in that as a faith school it can choose which pupils its admits; that it's success stems from the ability to pick only the most able students.

This is certainly true to an extent. But it is also a fact that the reason that competition for places at St Richard's is so great is a combination not only of its academic success but of the whole ethos of the school.

Generations of young people have Mr Campbell to thank for an almost unrivalled start in life. The town can be grateful that, from day one, he threw himself so wholeheartedly and with such abundant enthusiasm into his quest for excellence for the school.

At the end of a long and happy working association with him, we wish Mr Campbell and his wife the productive and fulfilled retirement they so richly deserve, for Ann has backed Tony in full measure in everything he has undertaken.

What of the future?

To take on a failing school and to turn it into a success story takes dynamism and a charismatic leadership. To take over a school which, for all practical purposes, is already at the very top is in some ways even more daunting.

Tony Campbell's will be a hard act to follow. But everyone has benefited from it.