THE headteacher of Dr Challoner's Grammar School is retiring after 23 years of dedicated service.

Graham Hill, 59, joined the school in Chesham Road, Amersham, in 1978 as deputy headmaster, and has only had a three-year break when he took a secondment from 1986 to '89.

He then returned to the school and became headmaster in 1993.

He said: "The school has changed immensely over the years.

"I am not going to put my feet up. I will be writing science books for teachers and students, will read and travel and have other interests.

"I have principally been involved in writing books since teaching."

Mr Hill started his career in 1965 and has taught at Marlborough College, and he has also been head of science at Bristol Grammar School.

Taking over from him in September will be Dr Mark Fenton, who is a 35-year-old historian and is currently deputy headteacher at Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, in Rochester, Kent.

He said he is looking forward to taking on the challenge.

He said: "I am not nervous about it. Taking on this headship is the ultimate challenge and I am honoured to have got such a prestigious job in this area."

He has previously taught at King Edward VI Grammar School in Chelmsford and The Boswells School in Essex.