JOHN Vickers, headmaster of North Yorkshire's largest secondary school, is to leave after the summer term.

Mr Vickers has been at South Craven School, Cross Hills, since January 1995 and is moving to Coventry to teach at Coundon Court School and Community College.

In a letter to parents, Mr Vickers said: "It has been a great privilege to lead South Craven for almost seven years.

"Throughout that time I have been impressed with the character of our young people, and the dedication of staff.

"I know that the staff teams will continue to provide an excellent education for young people in this area, and I am sure I will hear of many more achievements in the future."

Mr Vickers told the Herald this week: "I have loved working with the students and parents and staff."

He was born in Leeds and his first job was at Settle High School. He then worked in schools, colleges and other education establishments in West Yorkshire before moving to Birmingham for 17 years.

He is married to Margaret and has a son and daughter.

In his spare time Mr Vickers enjoys music and keeping fit. He plays the violin and also has an interest in photography but he says his real passion in life is education.

He said one of the defining moments of his time at the school was when a professor of maths at Oxford University, a former pupil, came back to talk to students.

He said: "That was a real example of the potential here at this school."

He taught English before becoming a head and also worked with children at risk.

He said that he was always proud when pupils went away on trips and he got good reports of their behaviour.

He added: "They invariably say how mature and well behaved they are, and that is an indication of the kind of school this is."

He added that there was excellent support from parents and strong relationships between them and staff.

The head's position will be advertised at the beginning of June and the new head is expected to take up the post in January.

In the meantime, deputy head David Birks will act as headteacher and will be joined in September by Graham Turner, another experienced deputy head.

Mr Vickers added: "I would like to record my thanks to the governors, who give tremendous support to the school, and who devote a great deal of their spare time to helping the school go from strength to strength.

"I would also like to wish all the students success in the future. They know that it is my ambition for each one of them to do well, and to make a worthwhile contribution to the world we live in."

He added: "If there is a school which can stand up and be counted as a shining example of comprehensive education, it would be South Craven and I am very proud to have been associated with it for almost seven years."