A NEW headteacher has taken the helm at Bedale High School and says he is privileged to lead such a wonderful school.

Tom Kelly is taking over from outgoing head Tony Rawdin who has been in charge of the school for the past two years. As the Deputy Head during that time Mr Kelly says Mr Rawdin has established a new culture of high expectations and he is concious of how far the school has travelled.

He added: "I believe my job is to capitalise on recent gains. I was delighted for all the staff, students and parents with the recent good judgement from Ofsted. There is a deep and abiding commitment to get the learning right for each and every student. Our mission is excellence for all and we want to be recognised as an outstanding school.

"It was lovely that Ofsted recognised the huge turn around in student behaviour. The description of students as polite, courteous and well-behaved was fantastic to see. The next step is to capitalise on improvements in teaching and learning."