Pupils and staff at a High Wycombe school are preparing to wave goodbye to their senior vice principal, who is set to retire after 16 years at the helm.

Ian Newton, 57, will step down after serving almost two decades at Highcrest Academy, in Hatter’s Lane.

Mr Newton helped to launch Highcrest when it replaced the failing Hatter’s Lane School in 2001, and “transformed” it into an “over-subscribed academy with massively improved exam results and a strong Ofsted rating”.

The father-of-two said: “2017 was always a target date for me to step down.

“My head is full of good memories about Highcrest but I am delighted that I leave the school in very good hands and that it can look ahead to the next decade with confidence.”

Assistant head teacher Gaynor Weldon will take over from Mr Newton, who said she was “fortunate” to follow in his footsteps.

She said: “He has made a massive contribution to the life and success of the academy and he will be much missed by the staff and students.

“In the years ahead, I hope to build on his achievements and personally I'd like to wish him all the very best for a long and fulfilling retirement.”

Principal Glen Burke said: “Ian has been a dedicated and valuable member of staff who has had a positive effect on so many young lives over the years.

“He certainly will be greatly missed by our pupils, staff, parents and governors.”