AN Oxford headteacher has resigned from a city school to 'recharge his batteries' weeks before term begins.

Parents were told in a letter today that Dr Philip Hills has 'decided to stand down' from Oxford High School, adding that he 'will not be returning to the school in September'.

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The all girls school has appointed Dr Helen Stringer, the head of Northampton High School GDST, as interim head for the year, while it looks for a replacement.  

In the letter from Cheryl Giovannoni, Chief Executive of the Girls Day School Trust, parents were told: "Dr Hills has led the school through a period of exciting academic and pastoral developments, and raised the profile and successes of school sport.

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"After breaking new ground on the new Sixth Form and Arts Centre, for which he has successfully fundraised for the stunning new auditorium and Mac Suite, he now wishes, for personal and professional reasons, to explore new challenges beyond Oxford High and the GDST." 

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Dr Hills added in the letter: "It has been a great privilege to be the Head of Oxford High School. Having enjoyed almost 20 years in teaching, half of which has been in senior leadership roles, now is the right time for me to recharge my batteries before pursuing new opportunities.

"I wish the School and its pupils every continued success."

Late last year, it emerged that a former head, Judith Carlisle, had been fired from a position in Canada following complaints about 'anti-Semitism'. 

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Ms Giovannoni added: "On behalf of the GDST, Governors and everyone associated with the school, we would like to thank Dr Hills for his contribution to Oxford High School and to wish him every success for the future.   

"We will be working closely with Trustees and the School’s Governing Board over the coming months to appoint a new leader for Oxford High."