David Igoe is to leave his role as chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges’ Association (SFCA).

Mr Igoe, who has held the post since 2009, has given six months’ notice of his intention to leave on 31 March. Before joining the SFCA, he was principal of Cadbury Sixth Form College, and also served as chair of the SFCA (under its previous guise as the Sixth Form Colleges’ Forum) from 1997 to 2008.

In a letter sent to SFCA members today, current chair Eddie Playfair writes: “He has represented, supported and championed our sector skilfully and effectively in contexts which have not always been easy for us. We all appreciate the quality and depth of his commitment to the cause of sixth form colleges across England.”

Mr Igoe told TES that he was now of retirement age, and had been planning to step down for some time. He holds a master’s degree in education management from the University of Bristol and previously trained as a priest, an architect and a music teacher.

The SFCA council will meet on 25 September to discuss arrangements for appointing a new chief executive.