STAFF and pupils at a Wiltshire secondary school have welcomed their new head teacher who is set to start at the beginning of next term.

Current head of Pewsey Vale Carol Grant is leaving at the end of the academic year after 11 happy years at the school.

The governors of Pewsey Vale organised a challenging interview process to select their new head teacher. And after much deliberation they were delighted to appoint Neil Pritchard, who is currently deputy head at Bitterne Park, a large secondary school in Southampton.

He was seconded as principal of the UTC in Salisbury and is looking forward to the opportunity of leading his own school.

Neil said: “I am very honoured and proud to become the head teacher of Pewsey Vale School from September. Pewsey Vale has a unique ethos and this is something I am looking forward to building on.

“We will be a thriving, successful, cutting-edge learning environment by working together as a community and I passionately believe in ensuring that all students are supported and challenged to be successful.

“I have high expectations regarding teaching and learning and will drive this forward throughout the school to prepare our learners for the challenges of adulthood.

“I look forward to working with the students, teachers, parents, governors and local community of Pewsey Vale to ensure the school has a very successful future.”

Paying tribute to the staff and pupils with whom she has worked over the past decade, Carol said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the fantastic team of staff at Pewsey Vale. I am looking forward to beginning a new life with my children and continuing my work in the education sector as a consultant.

“I will cherish very fond memories of the staff, students and local community of Pewsey Vale and I would like to thank them for their support and kindness.”