The chief executive of a Norfolk academy trust has announced his retirement after 15 years in local education.
Dick Palmer will leave his role at the Transforming Education in Norfolk (TEN) Group at the end of the year.
It comes after 15 years in education in Norfolk, with Mr Palmer having served as principal of City College Norwich from 2003 to 2013 and chief executive of the TEN Group from 2012 onwards.
He was named principal of the year by the Learning Skills and Improvement Service in 2010 and one of the education reformers of the year by the Education Foundation in 2012. He is a fellow of both the Royal Society of the Arts and the Institute of Directors.
Bryony Falkus, chairman of the TEN Group, said: 'Dick Palmer has been a true champion for education and skills in Norfolk, driven by his passion for improving life chances through education.
'As an education leader, Dick has been an influential advocate for vocational education, and an innovator, whilst always ensuring that the learner voice remains at the heart of what we do.
'He has worked energetically to bring Norfolk's education and business communities closer together, for the benefit of learners and employers alike.
'On behalf of the TEN Group, I would like to thank Dick for his considerable contributions over the last 15 years and to wish him well in his retirement.'
Last week, it was announced that Gee Cook, executive principal in west Norfolk for the Academy Transformation Trust, would become executive principal of Norfolk Academies, which is run by the TEN Group.
Norfolk Academies is made up of Attleborough Academy, Fakenham Academy, Wayland Academy, in Watton, and Wayland Junior Academy, also in Watton.
When asked whether Mr Palmer would be replaced, the TEN Group said, following Ms Cook's appointment, they were 'reviewing the future shape of the executive leadership team'.
Mr Palmer oversaw the creation of Get Norfolk Reading in February, a TEN Group drive to encourage more children to love books.
Do you have an education story we should be writing about? Let us know by emailing Lauren Cope on lauren.cope@archant.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here