I am conscious that we have recently had at least two consultation exercises with parents and pupils (and more with staff and governors) - what does all this mean for Priesthorpe School? It is usual for new headteachers to want to bring a fresh look at things - after all that is one of the reasons why they have been appointed!

The style of some heads is to go for dramatic and sudden change. My style is a little different; I do want to bring in some new ideas (not necessarily my own!), and we do have to change with the times. We have also got the added pressure of a major re-build programme, giving us a once in a generation opportunity to create a school fit for the needs of the twenty-first century.

However, I would not like the school community to lose the great things that have gone on (and continue) at Priesthorpe. It is a school with a good reputation and a strong, if brief, history and a friendly, supportive staff.

Some of the proposed changes were being considered before my arrival - alterations to uniform for example. Others would be a return to former practice in response to current need (such as the proposed ‘split lunch’).

My vision for the school is fairly simple - it is to have a welcoming environment where all pupils, students and staff can achieve their potential. All policies and practices should be geared to this end. There are three main themes to this: · A well-ordered environment. · Excellent standards of teaching and learning. · Good facilities Taking on new initiatives is fine, provided they are viable and productive. Traditional values, such as respect, appearance, sportsmanship and consistency still have a lot to offer.