James Russell has worked for years at East Brighton College of Media Arts, a school that has been through more than its fair share of problems.
He is so much loved by pupils that he was given an award as The Argus Teacher of the Year for 2002.
Mr Russell has seen pupils through traumas, including the murder of a pupil and periods when the college, known as Comart, was in special measures.
Now he has decided to move on and start a new life after Christmas with his family in Spain.
He leaves at a time of hope for the college when it is making steady progress and could become part of a city academy in the future.
Mr Russell will be greatly missed but other teachers and a committed head are also working to take Comart forward.
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