WINCHESTER’S longest-serving head teacher is leaving after 10 years in the post to take up a new position as an “executive head.”

Henry Beaufort head Jonathan de Sausmarez will quit at the end of this term to join The Romsey School.

Starting in January, he will work full-time at The Romsey School until September 2011 when he will spend up to two days a week supporting other schools and education projects.

Mr de Sausmarez, 50, is only the third head teacher in the history of The Henry Beaufort School which opened in 1972.

Earlier this year, the 960-pupil school in Harestock joined a select band judged “outstanding” by Ofsted inspectors, an improvement on “good” in 2007 and “very effective” in 2001.

The 2010 Ofsted report said: “Henry Beaufort is an outstanding school where one of the most striking features is its sense of community underpinned by the belief that ever student can succeed. They certainly do.”

Mr de Sausmarez said: “I reached 50 last February and we had the outstanding Ofsted report in March. So I felt that after 10 years it was time to do something else.

“After 10 years I have mixed feelings about leaving Henry Beaufort but I am confident that the school will continue to grow and the staff are totally committed.”

During his time at the school, Mr de Saumarez said he was most proud of the pupils who “seem to get better and better” over the years contrary to popular opinion of young people.

There have also been improvements to the school buildings and grounds, including a new purpose built art block, all-weather pitch, significant investment in IT and a nursery.

His successor has not yet been appointed.

Mr de Sausmarez said: “The governors are totally committed to maintaining the ethos of the school and the many improvements that have been made.”

Mr de Sausmarez said he was looking forward to joining The Romsey School and being part of the local community.

He already has local links having once lived there and been a member of Romsey Abbey choir.