RYDE School's headteacher Mark Waldron has announced he is leaving, for a job as director of an international school in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

The letter described the British School in Rio as one of the leading schools in South America. 

Mr Waldron has been at Ryde School with Upper Chine for eight years, succeeding Dr Nicholas England.

The board of governors has started recruiting with the assistance of a leading recruitment agency in the sector and is aiming to appoint a new head before the end of the summer term with the intention they will start sometime in 2022.

Mr Waldron will stay on to lead the school until that time.

In a letter to parents this morning, the school said he would leave a 'tremendous legacy' which included the introduction of the International Baccalaureate, two boarding house projects and inclusion into the Round Square association of leading schools.

Isle of Wight County Press: Mark Waldron at a Ryde School event.Mark Waldron at a Ryde School event.

The letter also paid tribute to the online teaching 'Virtually@Ryde' during the Covid lockdowns, which Mr Waldron oversaw.

It also acknowledged his part in enhancing the school curriculum and driving significant achievements in sport, music and the performing arts.

He told the County Press it was with mixed emotions he was leaving but thought it was good for any organisation 'to keep fresh'.

During his time on the Island he became a trustee of the Isle of Wight Sports Foundation.

He said: "Rio offers an amazing opportunity for me in a part of the world I am yet to discover, but I feel so much pride and warmth in Ryde; I can’t quite believe there will soon be a time when I will not have the privilege of being at the helm.

"I feel it is the right moment for me to hand over and the School will benefit from the challenge and energy of new leadership." 
Christoph Lees, chairman of the governors , said: "With boarding and the IB now fully secured, Mark will leave a tremendous legacy upon which his successor can build.

"While we are naturally sorry to see Mark leave, we congratulate him on his appointment and wish him the very best for the future."