One of the best-known headteachers in Coventry who has guided his school to a series of national accolades is to retire at the end of the school year.

David Kershaw will leave his post at Coundon Court School and Community College in July after 21 years as head.

Under his leadership he took the school through two successful Ofsted inspections and helped Coundon Court become the first secondary school in the city to achieve Beacon Status and Training School Status.

The school also won the prestigious Schools Curriculum 2000 Award for its work in the community in 1999, and achieved the Sportsmark Gold Award for the second time in 2000.

Cllr George Duggins, cabinet member (Education and Library Services) said:

"David's contribution to making Coundon Court the school it is today with its national recognition has been very great.

"I have always enjoyed a most constructive relationship with David and on behalf of the city council wish him well for the future."

Mr Kershaw’s career began in Coventry in 1972 at Coventry College of Education. He then became deputy head at Alderman Callow School in August 1974 before joining Coundon Court as head in January 1980.

He will continue to contribute to education, building on work that he has already carried out for the government, universities and local education authorities. Mr Kershaw will also continue to be a magistrate in the city.