For a man who has spent the last 23 years representing 'ultimate authority' to the students of Ilkley Grammar School, Peter Wood is in remarkably relaxed mood.

The fact that Mr Wood is overseeing his final duties of the term before stepping down after more than two decades in charge may well have something to do with it.

But that doesn't account for the 60-year-old headteacher's unusually casual attire - a pair of faded blue jeans and a checked shirt.

"We're having a non-uniform day for Sport Relief," he offers in explanation, extending a warm hand of welcome.

Although officially head of the school until August 31, with summer examinations still to be supervised, I caught up with him as he was approaching his last term-time week.

"It feels a bit odd," he revealed, "because on the one hand there are lots of things to look forward to in retirement but on the other I've to give things up which I've done for a long time.

"I've also been saying goodbye to a lot of people - pupils, governors, staff, parents - and the school building and grounds itself.

"I've had some lovely letters wishing me well and people have been very kind and taken me out for meals and bought me presents. As I have just turned 60 it has all merged very pleasantly with my birthday celebrations!

"It has been a very special time for me. The thing I'm going to miss most will be being surrounded by young people, which has helped keep me young, and working with some very talented staff, an excellent governing body and some wonderfully supportive parents."

Originally from Sunderland, Mr Wood began his post in Ilkley just after Margaret Thatcher came to power in 1979, following a spell as deputy headteacher of Heaton School in Newcastle.

A Cambridge graduate, he has put his English Literature degree to good use in his 37-year teaching career and found time to teach a class throughout each term of his time in Ilkley.

Whether extolling the merits of Thomas Hardy's Jude The Obscure or describing the satisfaction to be gained from helping a student understand the subtleties of Shakespeare, it's clear his passion for the written word is as strong as ever.

"Language in Shakespeare isn't a barrier," he said, "it's just a matter of warning pupils that they won't immediately know what some parts mean, and helping them to stick with it so that they get to enjoy the real drama, or comedy, which is unfolding. There are also some very good jokes hidden in there, although many of them sail close to the wind!"

Travelling to work each day from his home in Harrogate, Mr Wood has managed the school through a period of major upheaval which culminated in 2000 with the district-wide schools reorganisation.

That saw Ilkley Grammar having to absorb 500 extra pupils and embarking on a building project which will see all 1,500 students housed on one site in Cowpasture Road next year.

Reflecting on how the school has adapted, he said: "There was a lot of work involved with managing the reorganisation but the school has come out of it really well thanks to a brilliant team effort.

"We are established now as secondary school and I'm very pleased that academic standards are being maintained and even improved upon, we've got off to a tremendous start.

"We've just had a very good Ofsted report, which is a nice way to sign off, and within the year we will have the buildings up here for all the pupils so we're getting there, but it will be a couple of years before the job's done.

"When I first began to consider retirement I hoped the building work would be finished this year because that would have been a good way to go out.

"But having it take longer may actually work out well because it means the new head has an opportunity to prepare in her own way for the whole school being based on one site."

When he began his first job as a teacher in Sheffield in 1965 Mr Wood was only 23, and the youngest member of staff. Now he is preparing to leave a school where he has become the eldest teacher with, he says, almost exclusively happy memories.

"The most rewarding thing professionally has really been helping lots of young people to develop and fulfil their potential over the years," he said, "and preparing them to go on and live rewarding lives.

"That's been a process, year on year, rather than an achievement but it's the thing I feel most proud of. I've also been privileged to play a part in the success of the school over the years, with both the exam results, three very good Ofsted reports and all the out of school stuff like sports, drama and music.

"The things I won't miss, I suppose, are the negative things which you get with any high pressured professional job. The frenetic pace of life can be wearing and there has been some very long days and situations which have been difficult to resolve.

"There has also been an enormous amount of change, particularly in the last ten years, handed down from government and it has not always been for the best. That, and the chronic under-funding which the school has been subject to, would be my least favourite things but hopefully they are getting better.

"My own view is that sooner or later we need to move to a central funding situation so that no matter what local authority a school is in it will receive a level of funding consistent with any other school of a similar size and set-up."

A keen hill walker and runner, Mr Wood plans to purchase a mountain bike this summer to boost his plans to lead an active, and healthy, retirement.

"I also want to improve my golf swing and read all the books which I've kept meaning to read but haven't found the time," he said.

"And I'd like to travel both at home and abroad, because I don't see retirement as a time to sit and vegetate. I like to look at it as an exciting 'third age'."

He is also looking forward to spending more time with his wife, fellow English teacher Jean, and seeing more of their two London-based children, Nick, 31, and Caroline, 29.

Mr Wood's successor, experienced headteacher Gillian James, is due to take over in early September and he had this parting message for her.

He said: "I think this is a very rewarding job and I've enjoyed doing it. It's been very fulfilling and I hope Mrs James gets as much satisfaction from it as I have."