THE HEADTEACHER of a North Yorkshire secondary school is to retire this month, along with the head of governors.

Parents have been informed that Chris Byrne, principal at Northallerton School and Sixth Form College, will retire at the end of the term after 32 years as a teacher and school leader in Northallerton.

Mr Byrne had been co-headteacher at the Allertonshire School, before it merged with Northallerton College and joined Northallerton School as associate headteacher before becoming principal.

In a letter sent to parents, chair of governors Robert Barker said: “During his tenure as a school leader at both the Allertonshire School and Northallerton School, he has led the schools through a number of significant changes including the amalgamation of the Allertonshire and Northallerton College, and the recent move of Years 8 and 9 to the college site.

“He has most recently steered the school safely through a particularly turbulent period.

“We would like to record our sincere thanks to Chris for his long service in Northallerton, as a teacher and a leader both at the Allertonshire School and Northallerton School and Sixth Form College.

“He has contributed much to the development of the educational provision in the town.

“He is well-respected and principled and he will be missed.”

Mr Barker also informed parents that he would also be retiring at the same time from his role as governor.

He added: “I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you that, after 20 years as a governor at the college and amalgamated school, I have decided to stand down as chair and as a governor at the end of this term, to coincide with my 70th birthday.

“It has been a huge privilege to be associated with the school over this period of time.”

Keith Prytherch, principal at Caedmon College in Whitby will be taking over leadership of the school as executive principal for two terms and will be based full time at the school.

He will be supported by the recently retired headteacher of Risedale Sports and Community College, John Kelly, who will take on the role of associate headteacher from January.