A LONG-serving headteacher has confirmed he is stepping down after eight years in the role.

Ramsey Academy executive headteacher Rob James is moving on at the end of the academic year.

He is also headteacher at Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form.

Ramsey is part of the Bridge Academy Trust which includes a number of schools including Notley, Halstead’s Richard de Clare and the Acorn Academy in Witham.

Mr Jones says he is taking up a role which will see him act as a “line manager” for the trust’s schools.

Ramsey Academy is now looking to recruit a new headteacher.

Mr James hopes to find the right candidate by March.

He said: “As you know, for the past two years I have been fulfilling the role of executive headteacher, overseeing the Ramsey Academy and Notley High School and Sixth Form in addition to my role of director of secondary education following the merger with Bridge Academy Trust.

“We are now in a position to advertise for the permanent headteacher role for Ramsey. As a result, I will be stepping down from my executive headteacher role at the end of this academic year.

“We expect to attract a strong field of candidates and hope we will be able to update you with news of a successful appointment following a rigorous interview process.”

He added: “It has been a privilege to be the headteacher and lead the Ramsey community for the past eight years.

“We have attempted to achieve two broad aims. Students have been challenged to ‘be the best you can be’ and as a school we have strived to be an outstanding school in the heart of the community.

“I hope because of these aims and the work we have completed the school is seen to be in a stronger position than 2014.

“Schools will always face challenges, but the past few years have presented significant challenges for the Ramsey Academy for many reasons. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students, staff, governors and parents for their continued support.”