The headteacher of Tabor Academy has waved a fond farewell to his school and handed over the reins to his successor.

Steven Clark, who joined the school in Panfield Lane as the UK’s youngest headteacher aged just 30 in 2004, addressed his pupils and staff for the last time at a whole school assembly before they broke up for the Easter Holidays.

Mr Clark said: “I am torn between being very sad to leave a school that’s been a big part of my life for the last ten years and excitement for my new role."

He is leaving to take up a promotion as the director of learning and an executive principal for Lilac Sky Schools, which sponsors the school, and will oversee three new schools to be opened in 2015.

Matthew Slater, previously head of The Drapers Academy in Havering for four years, will start as the new headteacher at Tabor one day a week from April 22 and will be at the school full time from September.

See the BWT for the full story.