A York head teacher has announced ‘with a heavy heart’ that he is stepping down at the end of this school year.
Rod Sims will leave York High School at the end of the summer term.
In a message posted on Facebook, he said: “This is my 15th year at York High School and I am writing today with a heavy heart to say that it will also be my last.
“It has been an absolute delight to work with nearly 2,500 different pupils and their families during this time. The students, staff and parents are what makes York High such a special place.”
Mr Sims, 56, was appointed head teacher in September 2017, having previously been deputy head.
During his time in the top job, he turned York High round from what the school community thought was a very harsh ‘inadequate’ Ofsted rating in January 2017 to a ‘good’ rating in 2022.
“It has been brilliant to be a part of this school for the last 15 years and in particular the remarkable improvement in the school during the last five years,” Mr Sims said.
“Not because of me but because of the talented staff, the great pupils and your support. We have achieved these improvements together.”
He was diagnosed with cancer last year. Happily he was given the all-clear following chemotherapy treatment.
In his message to parents Mr Sims said: “You are all aware that I have had a difficult 2023 and it has made me re-evaluate my priorities.
“What I know for definite is that I love this school and when I look back on my life, I will look back with joy at the 15 years I have spent at YHS.
“For now, we are back to business as usual. We have lots to do from now until the end of the year.”