Auckland's King's College has chosen its new headmaster

Rangitoto College principal Patrick Gale will take the helm next year - following the resignation of current headmaster Simon Lamb, who steps down after a decade in the role.

Gale has led Rangitoto College - New Zealand's largest secondary school - for eight years.

He moves to one of the most prestigious in the country - Kings.

Gale says it's a tremendous honour - and he's looking forward to guiding the school into its next chapter.