ST HELEN'S Primary School in Alveston welcomed a new head teacher to the school at the beginning of the year.

Andrew Spens assumed the role of headteacher on January 6. He previously spent six years as deputy headteacher at a school in Keynsham. His predecessor Jonathan Cooke retired after 10 years.

At 34, Mr Spens is one of the youngest headteachers in South Gloucestershire. He said he was settling in well to his new role and was busy trying remember the names of all of the 198 boys and girls at the school as well as all the members of staff.

He said he had spent a lot of time during his first week learning the children's names and meeting people, which he said was a key part of the first few weeks.

“It’s been good getting to know everybody. I felt very welcome by the parents, staff and the whole community.

“I’ve been talking to the children and the staff about aiming high with everything that they do and the idea of working together with the community to make the school the best it can be and to achieve the best that they can be.”