BALLARD School Headmaster Alastair Reid will retire this summer after nine years at the helm of the independent school.

Mr Reid said he plans to "consider other possibilities and a slightly slower pace of life" after leaving the New Milton school.

In recent years the school has received a rating of Excellent in all areas in an Independent Schools Inspectorate report.

Its Early Years department has also been rated as Outstanding.

Mr Reid said: "This has not been an easy decision to make and was reached after taking time last summer to talk with close family, to pray and to ‘stop and stare’."

Chair of governors Peter Goodfellow paid tribute to Mr Reid and said: "We will be forever thankful for everything Alastair has done for Ballard School. All our recent successes are testament to Alastair’s passion and leadership."