Pupils and teachers at a school in Gerrards Cross are preparing to wave goodbye to their head teacher, who is set to retire after 23 years.

Andrew Sims will step down after serving more than two decades as head teacher at Gayhurst School in Bull Lane.

Since he took over the running of the school in 1993, he has made some huge changes – he started the first single reception class in 1994 and opened a nursery in 2008. He also introduced the first girls into the previously boys-only school in 2008.

He also oversaw redevelopment work to the junior school, a major extension to the senior school and the adventure playground, AstroTurf, computer room and pavilion will remain part of his legacy.

The school are set to pay tribute to their latest head teacher by creating a new ‘house’ named the Sims House in his honour.

Gayhurst’s current four ‘houses’ – Taylor, Gibbs, Stafford and Campbell – are named after their founder Arthur Taylor, former head teacher Stormont Gibbs, his deputy headmaster Patrick Campbell and Johnathon Stafford, who was head teacher from 1969.

Caroline Shorten-Conn, chair of governors at Gayhurst School, said: “I hope over the years Mr Sims will come back to support his house at the many house events that happen each year. The whole school will look forward to seeing him.

“On behalf of the all the pupils, parents and staff who have been at Gayhurst over the last 23 years we thank Andrew Sims for all he has achieved and wish him a long, happy and relaxing retirement.”

As the school says farewell to Mr Sims, it is preparing to welcome Gareth Davies, the new head teacher, who will join Gayhurst in September for the new school year.