THE headteacher at one of East Lancashire's oldest schools is to leave and take up a new job in the Middle East.

Simon Corns, who has been at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Blackburn since 2007, will become the new headteacher at Brighton College, Abu Dhabi, in January 2017.

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The dad-of-two was headhunted for his new role in the United Arab Emirates and said that it was the 'natural time' to leave with his son Alexander, 17, leaving QEGS in the summer for university with his elder son Philp, 21, set to graduate from Newcastle University as well.

During his tenure the 507-year-old school converted from a fee-paying to a free school in September 2014.

Mr Corns said: "There has been remarkable change at the school during my time here and I have really enjoyed it.

"It's not been without challenges but no job that's worth doing is straightforward.

"It was depressing to be working in a market which was tough for indepedent schools with fees the levels they were but since we started the plan and announce the free school project it's been a huge success.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time and everyone made me feel very welcome when I joined."

Mr Corns, 57, took over from previous headteacher David Hempsall when he retired from the West Park Road school in 200, after 12 years at the helm.

He had previously taught modern languages at Arnold School, Blackpool, before moving to St Albans School, Hertfordshire, to be second master and then joined the Blackburn school.

He will take over from incumbent Alun Yorath at the Abu Dhabi school which is linked to to the independent Brighton College in East Sussex.

Mr Corns added: "It's a very prestigious school and I'm excited about the new challenge.

"It's going to be very interesting getting to know the local culture and the expanding community and how everything works over there.

"This seems like the right time to be moving on with my sons leaving school and university."

Mr Corns is to officially leave QEGS at the end of the autumn term in December and start his new job the following month.

The governors at QEGS have stated the process of recruiting his successor and an announcement is expected in the coming months.