The headteacher of Royston’s Merdian School is set to retire at the end of the academic year – 37 years after first joining the school as a fresh faced geography teacher.

Dr Michael Firth began his teaching career in 1979 and was appointed head of geography in 1985.

He had other senior roles at the Garden Walk school, and in 1994 he took over the top job as headteacher.

Dr Firth, 59, said: “I’ve worked in Royston for 37 wonderful years with outstanding colleagues and literally thousands of students who are a great credit to their parents and the town.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved and know that the school and Academy Trust will go forward from strength to strength.”

Over the years, under Dr Firth’s tenure, capital investments for Meridian School of almost £6m have been obtained to construct new playing fields, a changing pavilion, an artificial pitch, new tennis courts, refurbishment of all science laboratories, a new teaching block for maths and geography and more recently, new roofing and windows for the entire school.

A farewell party is arranged for Dr Firth on Saturday, July 16 between 5.30pm and 7.30pm and the school is encouraging any past pupils and parents to join them in celebrating his retirement. If you would like to join the celebrations, then contact Pam Taylor by emailing headspa@rsat.org.uk.

Succession planning is well under way and the school has already made two senior appointments for September.

Assistant headteacher David Atkins said: “He has been a wonderful headteacher to work for, never losing sight of what is important, earning the respect and friendship of generations of students. I wish him a happy, well-earned retirement.”

Paul Bolton, chairman of The Royston Schools Academy Trust and the Meridian School Governing Body said: “His leadership of the academy since its formation has been inspiring and immensely invaluable.”

Dr Firth plans to do more work as a trustee and vice president of the Royal Geographical Society in London, and plans to start ticking off some of the travel destinations on his wish list after saying farewell at the end of term.