THE new head teacher for Ledbury's John Masefield High School has been appointed.

Andy Evans, the school's acting head, will take up the post in January.

Mr Evans joined the school as deputy head in 1997 and has been part of the leadership team that has seen JMHS grow from 650 to nearly 1,000 students, with substantial improvement in its examination results.

"We already knew Andy could be an outstanding head, because he has demonstrated that as acting head," said chair of governors, Mrs Jackie Denman.

"The position attracted interest from a strong national field eager to lead JMHS.

"After two tough days of interviews, Andy came through and we are looking forward to an exciting time ahead as he builds on the successes already established by outgoing head teacher Chris Tweedale."

Mr Evans, 42, who lives in Upton-upon-Severn, with his wife Elaine and son Jake, said: "It's a great honour to be appointed.

"I have tremendously enjoyed my six years at the school as deputy head.

"Under Chris Tweedale's leadership the school has made considerable progress over the last eight years. I would particularly like to thank Chris for all his splendid work as head teacher.

"We have some superb students, an excellent staff, a very supportive governing body and a council on which we can always rely.

"I am very much looking forward to working with the students, staff, parents, governors and the local community to move the school forward and enable our students to achieve the highest standards."

Councillor Don Rule, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member (education), added: "We are very proud of the school and of the impressive progress it has made.

"I have taken a particularly close interest in the John Masefield's work with the local primary schools as part of its arts college activities, and look forward to its becoming an even more important part of the life of the local community."

Mr Tweedale has become a government education adviser and also works at the council's education department.