The Island's Director of Education, Martin Barrow, is set to retire at Easter next year.
It will bring to an end a 36-year career in education, which he began as a teacher at Albert Road Junior School.
He also spent time as deputy headteacher of Willaston School and head of Andreas School before moving into teacher training and advisory roles.
In 2007 he became responsible for primary education, then head of the Education Improvement Service as senior adviser two years later.
His career culminated in his appointment as director of education in 2011, after a reorganisation of the management structure at the Department of Education.
The department's CEO Professor Ronald Barr says Mr Barrow's depth of knowledge across the spectrum would be greatly missed.
He says Mr Barrow has done much to improve the quality and delivery of education on the Island.
Mr Barrow says he's looking forward to having more time to pursue hobbies such as travelling, cycling, walking and working on restoring his classic MG Midget sports car.
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