A long-serving headteacher has announced his retirement after 21 years at an independent Suffolk school.

Stephen Cole has chosen to stand down from his role at Woodbridge School next summer.

He made the announcement to members of staff, pupils and parents today.

Mr Cole said: “This has been a very hard decision, but my wife Jane and I felt it was the right time to move on to a new chapter in our lives.

“We have completely loved living and working in this community and seeing generations of young people flourish during our time at the school.”

In his 21 years as headmaster, Mr Cole has overseen many developments to the school. In recent years they have included the establishment of the sixth form centre and theatre, as well as national success among pupils in sport, music and the Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

Roger Finbow, chairman of governors said: “The contribution of Stephen and Jane Cole over the past 21 years to the growth and development of Woodbridge School and its reputation has been exceptional, and all of us in the Woodbridge School community have been extraordinarily fortunate and privileged to have been able to benefit from their presence at the heart of it for so long.

“Stephen has provided strong leadership, rigour, ambition for the school and its pupils, justifiable pride in their many academic and extra-curricular achievements and an absolute devotion to the principle of bringing out and encouraging the development of their vast range of talents.”

During his time at the school Mr Cole has been known to support a number of charities raising in excess of £125,000 by running the London Marathan for 22 years.

Mr Cole encouraged fundraising within the school by setting up a charity committee which organised many projects to raise money for causes including East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.