A popular Whitehaven headteacher says it will be “a wrench’’ leaving behind his beloved school.

Shaun Monaghan will be stepping down from Jericho Primary School in July to take up a new role as director of Western Lakes Teaching School Alliance.

A teacher for 36 years, his first school was in Northumbria, before he moved to Orgill School in Egremont in 1984.

He then became deputy head of Jericho School, before becoming head of Moresby School and then head of Silloth School.

Mr Monaghan, who turns 58 today, became head of Jericho in 2003.

He said: “I have mixed feelings about leaving because I have loved being at Jericho. It will be a wrench to go.

“However, it is exciting to be taking a new direction to my career.’’

Ten years ago, Mr Monaghan became one of 61 heads across the country to take on the role of National Leader of Education.

These heads used their success and professionalism as school leaders – along with the school’s staff – to provide extra leadership in struggling schools.

As a result, Jericho became one of the first in West Cumbria to be named a National Support School.

In his new role, based at Keswick School, Mr Monaghan will also be working with Cockermouth School, Mayfield School, Whitehaven, St Patrick’s School, Cleator Moor and Bridekirk Dovenby School.

Following his announcement that he was leaving Jericho, Mr Monaghan – who is also chairman of the Cumbria Primary Heads Association and – has laughed off rumours that he is retiring.

“I am looking forward to using my experience in teaching and management to help others,’’ he said.

Mr Monaghan is also a member of the Cumbria Alliance of System Leaders which provides support and development for any school which requests, or is identified as one which could benefit from it.