DIRECTOR of Education for Worcestershire for the past seven years Julien Kramer is to retire at the end of October.

He was appointed in 1998 to set up the new Local Education Authority when the organisation became Worcestershire County Council and he has led the building of the new education service, requiring the restructuring of all the support services, the development of new policies and of new budgets.

Mr Kramer said: "While I shall miss the terrific pace of development, the strength of partnership and the dedication of those who work with young people in this county, I do plan, after a short break, to resume my own interests in writing and in possibly contributing to some of the national learning initiatives."

Rob Sykes, chief executive of the county council, said: "I should like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Kramer for his contribution to raising the standards of educational services in Worcestershire during the past seven years. This year, the county council achieved one of the top five Ofsted scores in the UK and I wish him the very best for the future."