HEATH End School headteacher Nick Phillips has announced he is stepping down at the end of this term for health reasons - with Weydon co-principal Stuart Maginnis set to take his place.

In a statement to parents Mr Phillips said: “Many parents will be aware that I spent a period of time last summer in hospital. You may not be aware that this was due to an issue with my heart.

“Being a headteacher can, at times, be somewhat stressful, and I have continued to experience heart issues this term which have affected my ability to carry out my duties as headteacher to the level I would like.

“I have therefore made the decision, with the support of the Weydon Multi Academy Trust, that I will step down as headteacher of Farnham Heath End School at the end of this term.

“I plan to take some time out of education and the daily stresses that come with it and, as a family, we are planning to relocate to a more rural location.”

The Weydon Multi Academy Trust (MAT), of which Farnham Heath End School (FHES) is a member, confirmed that Stuart Maginnis, currently co-principal at Weydon School alongside Jackie Sharman, will take over the position of principal for the coming year at FHES and that Mrs Sharman will become the sole principal at Weydon.

Weydon’s former headteacher John Winter is currently the CEO of the Weydon MAT.

A spokesman for the academy trust said: “As a MAT we wish Nick well and thank him on behalf of the many families, students and staff that he has supported over the last seven years.

“Nick has made a considerable contribution to the Surrey Education System; chairing the TFN Education Board, as a very active member of the SW Surrey Heads Association and the Surrey Forum (which acts as an advisory group dealing with the education budget settlement and strategic direction).”