Dear Parents,

I have informed Education Leeds and the Governing Body of my intention to retire at the end of this academic year. I told the staff on the training day just prior to half term. I wanted parents and pupils to know of my decision at the earliest opportunity. The Governors will now begin the process to appoint a replacement who will start in September.

I started teaching in 1969 and have been at Priesthorpe since 1980. I was made Deputy in 1982 and Headteacher in 1997. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work in this community. I have enjoyed every moment of my 26 years at Priesthorpe. Life is never dull and every day brings a different challenge. As a Head you hope you have touched the lives of young people and that they leave well equipped to face adulthood in an ever-changing world. The pleasure for me has always come from working with people, particularly the children.

I will miss Priesthorpe. Leaving will leave a huge void in my life. I had better give some serious thought to what to do next!

Yours sincerely,

Clive Pickles
Headteacher