POPULAR South Bromsgrove High School headteacher Paul Topping is moving on at the end of the year after seven years in his role.
Mr Topping will take up a new post as headteacher at The British School in the Netherlands.
Since joining in 2010 Mr Topping has led South Bromsgrove into a position as an outstanding school and a National Teaching School.
The school also became an academy under his leadership in 2014.
Chris Smith, who is currently Head of School, will become the new headteacher of South in September.
Mr Topping said: “It has been a very difficult decision to leave this wonderful school but, as sometimes happens in life, an opportunity presented itself and the chance to lead a world-renowned international school was one I couldn’t turn down.
“I am confident I leave South Bromsgrove in good shape with an excellent leadership team, which will be headed by Chris Smith, and a talented and hard-working staff.”
Chair of Governors Alyson Jewson has been keen to ensure there will be a smooth transition at South Bromsgrove.
“We will all miss Paul, and are sorry to be losing his considerable skills.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for him, and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.
“He has been instrumental in preparing Chris Smith to take on the role of headteacher and the governors are delighted that Chris will leading the school in the new academic year.”
