THE headteacher of a Durham school is stepping down after four years at the helm.

Alisdair Nicholas is leaving Framwellgate School Durham at the end of the academic year.

He will be replaced by Andrew Byers, currently head of school at Queen Elizabeth High School, in Hexham, Northumberland.

The Trustees of the Excel Academy Partnership appointed Mr Byers, who will take up the role on September 1, following a two-day selection process.

Derek Hall, chair of the trust board, said: “The appointment of Mr Byers opens a new chapter in the life of Framwellgate School Durham.

“We know that his experience and skills will enable him to take the school forward with pace and vision.”

A school spokesperson said: “Trustees were delighted with the appointment of a very experienced senior leader.

“Queen Elizabeth High is a high-achieving school which has performed particularly strongly in the recent Progress Eight measures, placing it as one of the leading schools in the North East.”

Mr Nicholas, who has been at Framwellgate School for 12 years, is leaving to return to Scotland.

He said: “I am delighted with the appointment of Mr Byers, and am sure he will relish leading such a wonderful school, as I have over the last four years.”