The Bathurst school yesterday issued a press release announcing Mr Bernard’s resignation after four years as headmaster.

The resignation came into effect immediately last Friday.

The press release said Mr Bernard and his wife Cheryl would return to Sydney to be near family and to pursue other opportunities.

“I have sought to lead the school over the past four years to provide the highest quality learning opportunities for children so that they will respond to personal challenges and grow to be people of integrity and faith,” Mr Bernard said.

“I am very proud of the staff and their willingness to assist students in their personal growth and development.

“The students are wonderful and I will miss them very much.”

The Scots School board chairman Colin Langford has offered the position of headmaster to long-time staff member Tim Richards.

Mr Langford said Mr Richards had the full support of all staff members.

“Mr Richards brings a wealth of experience to the position, having worked at Scots for 30 years in roles including acting headmaster (2003), deputy headmaster, head of science and head of boarding,” Mr Langford said.

“He previously was employed by the University of Sydney in the Department of Pharmacology and has worked at the Institute of Neurology (London) as a research scientist.”

Mr Richards said he was looking forward to the new role.

“I am looking forward to working with academic and support staff to ensure that the care and quality of education at Scots continues at the highest standard,” he said.

“The Scots School community will miss [Mr and Mrs Bernard] greatly and wish Mr Bernard and his family well in their future endeavours in Sydney.”