As the bell for hometime rings at Ysgol y Preseli today (Friday) school will be out for headteacher Martin Lloyd after nearly five decades at the school, first as pupil then teacher and headteacher.

After seeing his school achieve great academic success, an increase in pupils, and a healthy reputation in league tables, Mr Lloyd has decided to take on a new challenge.

He will now take up the Cardiff-based post of managing the national professional qualification of Headship.

Mr Lloyd said: "We have a very good academic record which I am very proud of, but more important for me is that the school is a happy school."

Since he became head in 1991, pupil numbers have soared, with the highest ever on the register at present, and the school attracts pupils from all over the county.

Mr Lloyd said: "When children from non-Welsh speaking homes were seen to do well, that was the turning point, and others started to send their kids here too."

The school was recently awarded top marks in all seven categories of an Estyn inspection, and Mr Lloyd has paid tribute to all staff, pupils, governors and parents for their team efforts.

He said: "Everybody pulls together for a common goal and I cannot speak highly enough of them. I’ve been very lucky. I’m leaving my successor a strong school."

The school is currently celebrating its 50th academic year, and has months of events lined up to mark the occasion.

Economics teacher Mr Lloyd has taught at the school for a total of 33 years, 19 of which he spent as headteacher.

He said: "I love the school. It’s always been my ambition to be headteacher here and make sure the school is successful.

"I will miss the children, staff and parents tremendously, but I won’t miss the paperwork."

He will leave the school today, January 30th, and Mike Davies will take on the role of acting headteacher until a permanent replacement is appointed.