WOTTON BASSETT School head Hylton Thomas is to retire next summer before the school's scheduled move into new premises in 2002.

His decision will enable his successor to be involved in preparations for the move.

Mr Thomas announced his retirement after much thought about his future and that of the school. "I have decided to leave at the end of the current school year, when I will have reached retirement age," he said.

"I have always said I would retire at 60, although in the past year, as completion of the building was moved on a term, I was very tempted to stay.

"However, there are other things I would like to do, and I decided finally during the half term holiday."

Malcolm Wilford, chairman of governors, praised the progress which has been made during Mr Thomas' headship.

"Hylton Thomas has made a magnificent contribution to the life of this school over the past 15 years," said Mr Wilford.

"His leadership has been excellent, and he has given great encouragement to others."

Mr Thomas was head of a British Forces school in Germany for five years before being appointed to Wootton Bassett in 1986.