St Richard's principal to retire

St Richard's Catholic College principal, Tony Campbell, will step down at the end of the academic year.

Mr Campbell, who was awarded the OBE last year for his services to education, said: "The time is right."

He has served as principal at St Richard's for 20 years, overseeing changes which have turned the school into one of the best performing in the country.

Achievements during his tenure including a succession of 'outstanding' Ofsted reports and record-breaking exam results.

Mr Campbell announced his decision in a letter to parents earlier this month.

During his two decades in charge, Mr Campbell has seen the school roll increase to its present size of over 1,000 students and has guided the continued expansion of school facilities.

During its last Ofsted inspection, St Richard's was ranked as 'excellent' overall and 'excellent' in every single category of the report.

Mr Campbell told the Observer: "I think it is the right time. I have been here for 20 years as head teacher and I think that is long enough - it is time I did something different, but I have no plans at the moment.

"I would hope that St Richard's employs someone who can continue the success we have now and take the school on to a different level. I think it can get better.

Mr Campbell said he has seen many changes over the years and was proud of the school's accomplishments.

"The school has doubled in size. It has been in the top five per cent of schools nationally for a number of years and that is a great achievement.

"It has always kept a family feel about it, although it has grown. It has moved with the times. It has adapted to government changes, which have been vast in the past 20 years, and we have kept pace with change to achieve success - the three Ofsted reports have been outstanding.

"I will miss the young adults - they keep me youthful. Working with them keeps you in touch with the changes in life.

"I will miss them very much because it is what teaching is all about. You do it because you like working with young people to help build their future. In how many other jobs can you help to mould and encourage young people and assist in their future lives?

"Some of the letters I have received already from people have been quite complimentary about the way this school has changed their lives and given them direction."