HE settled his school into a new building, secured it controversial academy status and left it with outstanding results, but Tidemill's headteacher is retiring.

In a letter to parents, Mark Elms wrote: "This is a big decision for me and not one that has been easy to make.

"I have devoted 11 years of my life to Tidemill and it is a hard place to leave."

The announcement follows the school's recent conversion to an academy and a move into the Deptford Lounge, which provoked opposition from some parents, councillors and Lewisham Deptford MP Joan Ruddock.

Mr Elms, dubbed a 'superhead', also proved controversial when it was revealed in 2010 that he had been paid £231,400 in one year.

But the school has always defended him, pointing out it was in special measures when he took over but secured an outstanding Ofsted report in 2008 and now offers advice to other struggling primaries.

Mr Elms was unavailable for comment.