THE headteacher of Churchfields Juniors has announced he is to leave his post at the end of this term, just weeks before the start of a major rebuilding project at the school.

David Worrall, who has been at Churchfields for nearly a decade, including four years as head, said he was sad to leave the school and its "amazing" staff, but felt the time was right to move on.

He said: "It's been a very, very difficult decision. There's no real reason why I'm going but sometimes opportunities come up and you have to make a decision what to do.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed every moment here and I'll be sad to leave."

Mr Worrall, 38, is moving to become the head of Osidge Primary School in Southgate.

Speaking to the Guardian, Mr Worrall said his favourite thing about the school was its staff.

He said: "I think it's the commitment and hard work of the staff and all the opportunities they have provided for the children that has been really, really good.

"Both the teaching and non-teaching staff are a very hard-working group of individuals.

"We have something like 32 clubs at the school, of which 20 are sport-based, which is incredible."

Mr Worrall, who lives in Highams Park with his wife and two young children, said he was disappointed that he would not see the completion of the mass rebuilding works at Churchfields which are due to start in early August.

He said: "There's been so many ups and downs about it over the years. I always thought it would happen but the question was always when.

"The school is over 100 years old and it's certainly served its purpose over the years. I hope the new building will last just as long - I'd love to come back and see it when it's finished."

The new headteacher of Churchfields, Wendy Thomas, is expected to take up the post in September.