Mr Ford wrote to the school community saying that after careful deliberation he had decided to complete his service at the school.

"Next year, the change programme I was charged with undertaking will be largely complete," he said.

"Serving the school community has been and continues to be a privilege thanks to the support and generosity of the school Board, staff, students, parents, alumni, donors and volunteers without whom very little would ever be achieved."

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Board chairman Nigel Bailey said Mr Ford would leave the position in May after serving with distinction.

"The Board gave him the mandate to be a "change agent" in Australia's oldest continuously operating independent school and the change programme," Mr Bailey said.

Mr Ford was appointed on a five year contract and started in 2018. He listed a major achievement as the introduction of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years' Programme, Mandarin replace Indonesian and the acquisition of over 5000 square metres of green space in the junior school.

He lauded the senior school's unique aviation programme for students from Grades 8 to 12, new entrepreneurship and leadership programmes and new and refurbished facilities.

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During his tenure Mr Ford oversaw a significant turnover of staff and there were anecdotal reports of poor staff morale. Independent Education Union members passed three no-confidence motions in Mr Ford and demanded a survey to gauge staff morale.

But he retained the backing of the Grammar board.

IEU deputy general secretary David Brear said Launceston Grammar had been a "very unsettled" school under the leadership of Mr Ford.

"I don't think that the issue for staff was a reluctance to embrace change," he said.

"It's a real shame that so many long term, talented staff with deep connections to the school have made the decision in the past few years to move on.

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"Launceston Grammar has always been a great school with rich academic and co-curricular programs but what staff are most proud and protective of I think is the school's culture and sense of community. "

In 2020, Mr Ford told that he was going to launch a new style of communication and active consultation.

Mr Bailey said in a letter to the Grammar community that a process for replacement of Mr Ford would start with the aim of a seamless transition.

He listed achievements as a strong financial base established for the school along with a wider donor base.

"Enrolments sustained at the highest levels in the school's history. Enhanced systems for managing risk, property and IT.

"Overall, the school has seen significant improvement under Richard's leadership.

"Richard's leadership has ensured Launceston Church Grammar School has continued to focus on excellent education and opportunities for our students.

"At Junior Campus, authorisation to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years' Programme, the introduction of Mandarin and the acquisition of over 5000 square metres of green space.

"At Senior Campus, expanded opportunities such as our unique aviation programme for students from grade 8 to 12 along with new entrepreneurship and leadership programmes.

"The highest number of Tasmanian top 100 TCE Achievers from one year group in the school's history - 8 in 2019. "

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