HEAD teacher Neil Turrell has announced he is to retire after 16 years at the helm of Maidstone Grammar School.

The 62-year-old, who joined the school in 1992 and is widely lauded for his pioneering introduction of the International Baccalaureate, is due to leave the school in April next year.

Mr Turrell led the school to achieving language college status in 2004, the same year his leadership was rated by Ofsted as “Grade 1” or “excellent”.

Early tributes were already being paid to the departing head this week.

Year 13 student Ashley Ulph said: “I would like to add a tribute of thanks as well as everyone else who has known him and had him as their headmaster.

“I would like to thank him for what has been the best seven years at Maidstone Grammar School.”