The headmaster of Foremarke Hall prep school, in Milton, near Repton, is to leave along with his registrar wife after a seven-year spell in charge, it has been revealed.

Richard Merriman has announced plans to retire from the school at the end of the Christmas term next year in a letter to parents of pupils.

Chairman of the Governors Sir Henry Every has told parents: "I am writing to inform you that the headmaster, Richard Merriman, has written to advise me of his intention to retire from Foremarke Hall at the end of the Michaelmas (Christmas) term 2018.

"Between now and the end of next year there will be plenty of opportunities for the school community to thank Richard and Ruth for all they have achieved in the seven years they will have been at Foremarke.

"They will be leaving a school in great shape; one which should attract a lot of interest from those aspiring to lead one of the best prep schools in the country."

Richard and his wife Ruth, who is the school's registrar, first joined Foremarke in 2011 and have seen the school go from strength to strength, overseeing the addition of new facilities, achieving outstanding inspection reports, winning national sports titles and building a nationwide reputation for successes in music.

Richard said: "Ruth and I have so far had six wonderful years at Foremarke Hall and we look forward to an equally enjoyable final 12 months. We have decided this is the right time to move on and indulge some of our other varied passions, including, of course, cricket and local history."

Advertisements for the post of Headmaster at the school are now being planned.

Looking for a job? There are thousands available at www.Fish4.co.uk