A head teacher is leaving his school after more than two decades to become a 'superhead'.

John Rimmer, head of Oathall Community College, Haywards Heath, is leaving after 21 years in his job to become a consultant superhead for West Sussex County Council.

He said: "I have enjoyed it tremendously. A visit by the Prince of Wales was a high point, as were the shows the school has put on. They have been superb.

"I have always enjoyed the continued improvement of youngsters and seeing them achieve more than they thought they could.

"I have seen lots of staff develop from trainee teachers into absolutely superb members of the school."

In his new role Mr Rimmer, 58, will use his experience to support schools with difficulties.

He said: "It will be a new challenge for me. It is time for a change and a new head will take Oathall further down the paths of excellence."

Mr Rimmer became head teacher at Oathall in the early Eighties, since when the number of pupils at the school has risen from 800 to 1,400.

He said: "When I came here, the school didn't have such a good reputation. It was my job to make a good school into a very good school. Now it is outstanding."