A respected headteacher is set to leave his post for another important role in education.

Cockermouth School's Dr Rob Petrie is set to serve his final term before becoming part of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate on September 1.

A spokesperson for the school said: “This is a very prestigious position and we wish him well in this new role.”

Dr Petrie joined Cockermouth School as its deputy headteacher in 2012 and was promoted into the position of headteacher three years later.

The board of governors has publicly thanked Dr Petrie for his “tireless” efforts and leadership during his career at the school.

They said that he had made a tangible impact on the school’s performance, making Cockermouth School one of the highest achieving in the North West.

Governors attributed the school’s position in the top 10 per cent of secondary schools to Dr Petrie’s work.

Dr Petrie’s efforts towards young people’s education extends beyond the school.

He was also part of the team that wrote the initial Western Excellence in Learning and Leadership bid.

The WELL board worked together to attract millions of pounds worth of support for schools in west Cumbria.

Speaking of his departure, Dr Petrie said: “Leaving Cockermouth School has been a very difficult decision but as we hopefully emerge from the pandemic, I feel that the time is right to move on to new challenges.

"Cockermouth School will always be a special place for me and I will take with me many fond memories of our fantastic school community.

“I’m proud of everything we have achieved in the last few years under my leadership, and know that our success is down to the exceptional group of staff and students who I’ve been fortunate to work alongside.

"It’s been a privilege to serve the community of Cockermouth and my heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support and kindness.”

Andrew Ward, chairman of the board of governors, said: “Rob Petrie is a highly-skilled and highly-motivated school leader.

"He works tirelessly to ensure that all children achieve at their highest level.”

The school recently implemented the first Education Endowment Foundation Associate Research School in the county to coordinate the support of disadvantaged children.

“He is always evidenced based in his decision-making and always researches new initiatives thoroughly," Mr Ward added.

Mr Petrie brought in a research-based appraisal system for teachers, focused on their professional development

Although everyone involved in the school will be sad to see him go, exciting times are ahead.

Mr Ward said: “Rob will be a very hard person to replace.

"Headteachers of Rob’s calibre are rare but we have begun the process of finding our new headteacher and we are looking forward to a new chapter in the school’s incredible journey.”