A NEWLY appointed headteacher says his mission is to take a great school as far as he can.

Jonathan Ferstenberg will start at Wolsingham School in Weardale in September, bringing 16 years experience of teaching in schools in Japan, the United States and the UK.

His appointment comes amid a countywide education review, with Wolsingham School identified as having one of the largest budget deficits in County Durham – a situation blamed on Government funding changes, grant reductions and falling admission numbers. It also follows the suspension of sixth form admissions for two years due to funding pressures.

But Mr Ferstenberg, who is originally from the United States, believes Wolsingham remains one of the “premier schools in the North of England’, with a strong academic performance and extensive extra-curricular opportunities.

He said: “I want to take this already great school as far as I can. I want to ensure that every student makes outstanding progress in subjects that they love and which will lead them to the careers of their dreams.”

He continued: “I want them to enjoy school and amaze themselves with what they achieve through an ever-growing list of extracurricular activities and opportunities for public service. I want them to support each other and make lifelong friendships. I want it to continue to be a school where every student feels valued, comfortable and happy.”

The appointment follows the departure of former headteacher Lee Elliott last year.