THE head of Teignmouth’s largest school is standing down.

Dr Tony Gray will quit as principal of the community school at the end of the summer term, to be appointed as the chief executive of the academy, which also runs the former Inverteign Primary School, from September.

A school spokesman said the timings were significant because principals were only required to give one term’s notice.

‘The fact that Dr Gray has given a term-and-a-half’s notice means there will be a smooth handover to his successor, and no break in leadership of the school.

‘When he took over in 2003 the school had a declining roll, with many lessons taking place in sub-standard accommodation.

‘Under his leadership, the school has gone from strength to strength with greatly improved examination results, significantly enhanced school buildings, oversubscribed student numbers and the successful integration of the former Inverteign into what is now a thriving and popular school’.

Niall Duffy, the chairman of the academy added: ‘A generation of Teignmouth’s children have benefited from Dr Gray’s leadership and vision, and the board are extremely grateful for everything he has done.

‘I’m pleased that he has agreed to stay on as chief executive of the trust at a crucial time of its development.

‘As we begin the search for his successor, parents should be reassured that we will leave no stone unturned to recruit a first rate leader to build on his achievements’.

Dr Gray said he felt privileged to have had 13 fantastic years at the school.

‘Although I am stepping down as principal, I am delighted that the board have asked me to stay on as chief executive.’

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