A LONG serving senior teacher is hanging up his hat after 20 years leading schools on Portland.

Paul Green has announced that he will be retiring at Christmas after two decades as a deputy and a headteacher on the island.

He is head of the Royal Manor campus at the Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy (IPACA).

Mr Green was previously headteacher of Royal Manor Arts College before the change to academy status.

He said: “It has been my intention to retire this year, after reducing my days at work over the summer term.

“I have long had an ambition to develop another career as a writer and preferably before I get too long in the tooth to string sentences together.”

He added: “I have very many happy memories of the over three thousand children that I have worked with and a great deal of respect for the parents, teachers and support staff who have worked with me to provide the best opportunities to them.”

Mr Green was one of the teachers who was instrumental in developing the vision for improving education on Portland and a spokesperson for the new academy.

He told parents of his decision in a letter and hailed the new academy.

Mr Green said: “The greatest opportunity for our children is now within our grasp.

“I am proud of the move towards a far higher quality, better resourced and innovative education for all the children on Portland that the academy offers.

“I was pleased to be in the team that appointed Alison Appleyard to the principal’s post.

“Her experience, enthusiasm and drive will take IPACA on to become the finest educational establishment in the area.”

Mrs Appleyard praised Mr Green for his dedication to children and education.

She said: “Paul Green’s commitment to the children of Portland is second to none.

“His dedication in steering Royal Manor Arts College whilst putting time and energy into developing the academy vision was instrumental in IPACA being able to open this September.

“I, the governors and, I’m sure, many hundreds of parents, would like to thank him for important role he has played in managing the transition into the academy.”