An acclaimed headteacher has announced she is leaving her job to help refugees coming into Watford.

Watford Grammar School for Girls headteacher Dame Helen Hyde, said she could not be a bystander anymore, having spent her career teaching people to help others.

The headteacher, who has led the school in Lady's Close for 29 years, made the announcement last week in a statement to parents on Facebook.

She said: “I know it would be easy to stay in post for a few more years. I would enjoy the work as well take the school further. However I am a strong believer in change and challenge.

“I am a Holocaust educator and have spent many years encouraging others to take action, to make a change and not to be a ‘bystander’. The world is very troubled and I need to try to make a small difference.

“I need to try to help even if only in a small way. Now is the time to take action.

"I need to do what I have always taught and take a step into the unknown, hopefully making life better for the refugees in Watford.”

Mrs Hyde, 67, was recognised in the 2013 New Year’s Honours list for services to education.

She is also president of Freedom and Autonomy for Schools – National Association and a fellow in Holocaust studies at the Imperial War Museum.

She told the Observer she plans to work in Watford with the vicar for local immigrants Tony Ridl and in London for Maurice Ostro in Collaboration House, which is trying to bring a number of interfaith charities together to be more effective.

She added: “I have sent 29 wonderful years guiding Watford Grammar School for Girls.

"I have enjoyed each and every challenge. We have achieved great things because the staff are outstanding, dedicated and true experts in their fields and they love what they do.

“I am very grateful to them for all they have done. The girls have been a delight and it is they who will make changes to improve our world.”

The comprehensive academy has repeatedly received education watchdog Ofsted's highest 'outstanding' rating.

Former pupil and current Conservative group leader at Watford Borough Council Binita Mehta, 25, said: "Helen had high standards which drove me to want to meet them and succeed.

"It was obvious that she loved history, especially educating people about the Holocaust, and her passion for empowering women has definitely had a big impact on me and my feminist beliefs.

"Helen inspired me to be the best I could be, instilled a strong community spirit in me and was not afraid to be feisty and tell me when I was wrong."

Mrs Hyde has not set a leaving date yet, and has said she will wait until she is replaced.