THE headteacher of John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge says he is looking forward to a change of lifestyle when he retires at the end of this term.

Stephen Gee and his wife Christine will be off to live in France as soon as school is over.

But he is quick to point out that his 18 years at the secondary school have been "fantastic".

He said: "I have really enjoyed my time here and very much appreciate the hugely hard working staff and the support of all the governors and parents."

Mr Gee trained as a drama teacher. He arrived at the school in 1983 as deputy and has spent the past 10 years as head.

He said: "If you look back, the changes in education have been immense, the most significant ones being that we are now self-managing, running our own budgets, and the introduction of the National Curriculum, which is changing yet again."

There was no time for hands-on teaching in his position. Mr Gee said he saw his role as someone who made sure the organisation ran effectively, targeting

where money could best be used.

He said: "The frustration is there is never enough money."

Demands on current pupils are far more than on earlier generations, he said, and dismissed the notion that A-levels are now a softer option.

"Young people are working far harder. They are giving more and achieving at a higher level."

Both Mr Gee's children attended the school and are now studying at Imperial College, London, and Cambridge University. This means he and his wife feel they are now free to move to France.

"We have been rebuilding a house in central France for 11 years. We now want to take advantage of all our hard work."

The chairman of the school's governors, David Roy, said: "He was an outstanding headteacher and has helped the school move forward remarkably well. He was a dynamic leader and led by example. He took part in all school activities and didn't ask anyone to do anything he couldn't do himself.

"It's sad to see him retire early and we wish him well. He will be difficult to replace."