A WELL-RESPECTED grammar school headteacher is set to retire.

Andrew Baker joined Westcliff High School for Boys as headmaster in April 1990, after a stint as a deputy head at a school in Manchester.

He recalled how he was primed for the challenge.

He said: “I was looking for and was ready for a headship.

“I wanted the headship of a grammar school as I had taught in grammar schools all my life, and that was where I had most to contribute.”

Mr Baker, who lives in Thorpe Bay, said Essex was not a part of the country he was familiar with at the time, but embraced the move and has never looked back.

He said: “There are three things that stand out that I shall remember in particular. The first is the privilege of working with exceptionally able young men and helping to set them on the right course for their own future development.

“I have found that to be an immensely rewarding experience.

“I like the culture of grammar schools and I like working with sharp, inquisitive, questioning, young men and now women in the sixth form.

“Secondly, I shall miss working with exceptionally gifted members of staff, people with a genuine command of their own subject and who have absolute dedication to the school.

“Finally, I shall miss the opportunity to be part of substantial changes at the school.

“During my time we have transformed the facilities and we have given thought to the culture and ethos of the school.” Mr Baker, 65, who previously taught history and politics and had a book on British politics published in 1980, studied for a degree and masters in history at Sheffield University.

He is now looking forward to spending a bit more time reading, listening to music and enjoying countryside walks in his retirement.

And he did not rule out possibly stepping into the political arena.

He said: “I will be looking for other opportunities to contribute to the education service or public service. I like to be engaged.”

Mr Baker will leave the school in the summer and he said it was a “difficult moment” telling pupils he would be standing down.