Plymouth College Headmaster to retire

Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton, has announced his intention to retire at the end of the next academic year. He will have been at the school nine years when he leaves at the end of August 2015.

Dr Wormleighton, 56, joined Plymouth College just after the merger with St Dunstan's Abbey. Since he took over the helm in 2006 he has overseen some significant developments such as steering the elite sports academies to the world stage, the introduction of the highly regarded International Baccalaureate Diploma and investing in a truly engaging and exciting enrichment programme.

"I have enjoyed my time at Plymouth College enormously," said Dr Wormleighton. "It has been a huge privilege to lead the school in what has proved to be a very exciting period of change and development. I have had the support of a fantastic staff, both teaching and non-teaching, and also of an enlightened and forward-thinking Board of Governors.

"During my time here the school has gained a growing reputation locally, regionally, nationally and internationally and we now find ourselves prominently positioned on a far larger map than was the case a few years ago. I am delighted that Plymouth College is becoming well known around the world as a centre of excellence, not only because of its sporting prowess but also on account of other strengths and achievements. The school is fortunate to have more than its fair share of superbly talented and inspirational young people within its pupil body."

Chairman of Governors, Chris Robinson, said: "The Governing body are obviously sad that Dr Wormleighton has decided to hang up his headmaster's hat, but are enormously grateful to him for steering the school into an extremely strong position, with excellent pupil numbers, in what is a difficult climate for the independent sector. 

"Simon has served the school well and in giving us ample notice of his intentions, he has put us in the best possible position to find a successor. In the meantime we look forward to another eventful and rewarding year or so under his stewardship."

On his retirement Dr Wormleighton, who was previously Headmaster of Grenville College in North Devon, is looking forward to having the time to indulge in his favourite pastimes of coastal walking, painting and travelling.