THE head and deputy head at a Worcester school will retire this summer after decades of teaching.

An open house was held at Regency High School on Tuesday to celebrate the achievements of Frank Steel, headteacher, and the school's deputy head Janet Gibbons, who have spent a combined 80 years in the profession.

Mr Steel will leave the school at the end of August with new headteacher Sara Harding joining in September.

Mr Steel took over the headship of what was then Rose Hill in Worcester in 1988 and helped oversee the reorganisation of special needs provision which saw Manor Park, Rose Hill and Thornton House become Fort Royal Primary School and Regency High School.

He said: "I've been in education for 44 years.

"I've gone through quite a few changes.

"We've gone from an all-age-school, to secondary, from a secondary sports college to an academy.

"The changes have been very positive."

He added: "I would say the special needs review and Regency becoming a high school was a significant and important move.

"Once we got the new building, we became a specialist sports college providing another aspect to the curriculum and more opportunities we could offer for our youngsters.

"I've always been supported by a very proactive governing body who have been working in support of the school and a fantastic staff."

Mr Steel said he was leaving behind a school with a bright future, one that was financially secure and had recently achieved a successful Ofsted report.

The school's deputy head Mrs Gibbons semi-retired earlier this year but will leave the school completely this summer after 26 years.

She became deputy at Regency in 2007 after joining Rose Hill in 1989 and becoming deputy there in 1999.

Her replacement will be appointed by the incoming head in the next academic year.

Mr Steel said there had been an ongoing transition process between him and the new head so many of the children already knew who she was.

Mr Steel said: "There will be huge elements I will miss but I think it's a good time for me and the school to move forward."

He said he wanted to enjoy his retirement and spend more time supporting his two sons.

Former colleagues, students and their parents enjoyed light refreshments and a presentation at the school on Tuesday afternoon.