THE longest serving secondary school headteacher in Hartlepool is to take early retirement at the end of December.

The governors of Brierton Sports College approved Stuart Priestley's request at a meeting earlier this week.

Mr Priestley, who has been headteacher since 1989, said: "I have been considering retiring from headship for some time in order to tackle new challenges in the education field while I'm fit enough to do so.

"I feel now is an appropriate time because the school is entering a new and exciting phase. I'm proud that it has been designated as a sports college. Our soon-to-be published Ofsted inspection report will identify some areas that require development and I have brought in some talented senior managers to drive the school forward.

"I feel the school would benefit from a new headteacher who will be around for some time to see through the development programme and implement our long-term vision."

Stephanie Hayes, chairwoman of governors, said: "We are extremely sad to lose a headteacher of Mr Priestley's stature, but we are aware of his desire to take up new challenges and after so many years of sterling service, we felt it would be wrong to stand in his way.

"The governors have been delighted with the many good developments Mr Priestley has put in place. He has achieved much to be proud of in improving the teaching and learning at the school, with record GCSE results this year."