Headteacher leaving for Africa role

The headmaster of a Shropshire school today announced he was stepping down from his post to volunteer for an African charity.

Students and teachers at Wrekin College in Telford will be waving farewell to their headteacher, Stephen Drew, who will step down in July to head up Medic Malawi, which provides medical help for the impoverished African country.

Cambridge scholar and housemaster at St Edward's in Oxford, Richard Pleming will take over at the college.

Mr Drew, 56, who has been at the school since 1998, said his decision to leave had been very difficult, but added he wanted to help the country which changed his life forever.

He said: "I spent several years working in Malawi as a teacher before returning to England 13 years ago to take up the headteacher role at Wrekin College.

"And as the saying goes you can take a man out of Africa but never Africa from the man. I feel the time is right to retire and devote my energy towards Malawi.

"My friend founded the charity 10 years ago but is now in his 70s and is looking to retire. I will still live in Shropshire, travelling to Africa occasionally.

"My main role will be raising money and awareness for the cause.

"I have enjoyed my time at Wrekin very much and have some great memories of the school.

"There are many wonderful students and staff, past and present, who have made my tenure both happy and memorable."