Gordon Trafford, the head of The John Bentley School in Calne, will say goodbye to staff and students when he leaves at the end of summer, it was announced today.

Mr Trafford, Oxford graduate, will be leaving the school and relocating to Cornwall for personal reasons following a very successful period as headteacher; during which he led the school through two Ofsted inspections and the achievement of Academy status.

On announcing his decision Mr Trafford said: “On leaving The John Bentley School I will have completed 14 years of service, seven years as deputy headteacher and seven as headteacher. It has been a great privilege to lead a school where results have constantly improved, underpinned by high quality, individual care for each student.

"I would also like to thank the outstanding staff at the school for all they do day in, day out, for the learning and enrichment of all of our young people. It has been a great period of my life and now the time is right for me to start a new chapter in Cornwall. I look forward to seeing The John Bentley School continue to flourish and provide outstanding educational service to Calne and the surrounding communities.” In a warm expression of gratitude to Mr Trafford, chairman of governors Martin Kelly, said: “I have enjoyed immensely working closely with Mr Trafford during my time as chair of governors and I know that my predecessor did likewise.

"I have particularly valued his calm, humane and thoughtful approach to running the school and I am sure many current and former students will have their own special memories of Mr Trafford.

“I am sure that you would like to join me and the board of governors in congratulating and thanking Mr Trafford for everything he has done for the school and in wishing him the best of luck for his future life in Cornwall.”