THE Press’s Teacher Of The Year is standing down after more than 17 years as head of York’s largest primary school.

Mark Barnett, head teacher at Westfield Primary School, in Acomb, decided to take early retirement when he turned 55 earlier this year.

But, according to Mr Barnett, his wife was “determined that he wouldn’t be staying at home”. So instead of opting for retirement, he has accepted a job working for City of York Council as a consultant head teacher.

His first job in his new role will be as acting head at Danesgate, the pupils’ support centre, for two or three terms, and will be “responsible” for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 behaviour strategies and working on secondary behaviour strategies.

Mr Barnett said: “I have enjoyed my time at Westfield, but it just seems the right time to go. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my retirement and, as I say, my wife wasn’t too keen on the idea of me being under her feet, so I am going to be a consultant head teacher for the local authority.

“It’s quite emotional leaving. We have several Christmas concerts at the school and they have been particularly good this year. I don’t mind saying I shed a tear.

There have been children and parents coming up to me saying they have heard I am leaving and saying very kind things.”

Mr Barnett touched the hearts of pupils and parents alike before winning the Teacher Of The Year title at our Community Pride awards. He was praised by judges for his second-to-none commitment to his school.

Julianne Phillipson, who nominated him, said: “He is fair, treats the children as individuals, encourages them to follow their dreams, has a good sense of humour and is fun”.

On top of this, Mark spends his spare time in Ghana where he is helping to set up a school there.

Mr Barnett also earned the title of Yorkshire Teacher Of The Year this year and was congratulated in the House of Commons by Schools Secretary Ed Balls.

Mr Barnett’s achievement was raised by York MP Hugh Bayley, who said the teacher deserved the country’s thanks for the enthusiasm and commitment he put into his work.

Mr Barnett will step down at the end of term.

The new head, Tracey Ralph, will take over when the school returns after the Christmas break on January 5.

Ms Ralph has taught at Our Lady’s RC School in Acomb and Norton Primary School.

Mr Barnett said: “I’m sure she will be a really great head teacher to take the school on in to the future.”

Jenny Whitehouse, Westfield School’s business manager, is also retiring after 17 years at the school.

She has had a 28-year association with the school, as her children went to Westfield and she was a governor for 12 years.