A HEADTEACHER who has transformed a primary school is to step down after more than two decades in the role.

Richard Wild, who has led Thirsk Community Primary School since 1999, having previously served as a headteacher in County Durham, said he was proud to have created a school that provided an equal chance for every child.

The 60-year-old said while education standards had markedly risen at the 300-pupil school, it had become closely involved with the community and changes had been brought in to ensure children are not expected to pay for any activity.

He said other notable changes at the school included the creation of SureStart and enhanced education centres, the installation of solar panels to generate £3,000 annually for the pupils and the development of a dynamic governing body.

Mr Wild said he would maintain his links with education after accepting a role as a governor at Thirsk School and Sixth Form College.

He said: “It is highly unusual for anyone to be a head teacher for more than 20 years, let alone 24.

“I could write a book about my memories here, but I don’t think I’m going to have the time.”