A headteacher who oversaw the establishment of Braintree's first dedicated sixth form centre is changing jobs.

Simon Thompson, head of Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form, will leave in the summer to become executive director of the Association of Secondary Headteachers in Essex.

He will represent the county's secondary schools on educational issues at local and national educational forums and in discussions with Essex County Council.

He will also carry out some other educational consultancy work for other organisations.

Mr Thompson is Notley's longest serving headteacher.