THE longest-serving secondary school head in Selby has announced his retirement.

The Rev Francis Loftus, who has been headteacher at Barlby High School for 19 years, will leave at the end of the summer term.

Mr Loftus came to Barlby after working at schools in Frome, Somerset, and Evesham, in Worcestershire, before taking up a deputy headship in Berwick-on-Tweed. In his retirement, he will continue his work as priest for Barlby, Riccall, Hemingbrough and Cliffe, and will work for the AQA examination board.

Mr Loftus has been involved with the National Association Of Teachers Of Religious Education over the past 25 years and is also chaplain to the Selby district Scouts, conducting their annual St George’s Day service at Selby Abbey.

During his time at Barlby, he has seen many changes – including improved examination results.

“I have enjoyed working at the school very much, but feel it is now the right time for me to leave,” he said.

“Maybe the school can have someone at its head with fresh ideas.”