A NEW headteacher has been appointed at an Alveston secondary school.

Marlwood School begins a new academic year with a new headteacher at the helm.

Del Planter had briefly been in the role of deputy headteacher at Marlwood before being appointed as headteacher from September.

On taking on the role Mr Planter said: “I am delighted to be the new headteacher at Marlwood School.

“Marlwood has clearly experienced challenges but nonetheless, I view this as an exciting time to be joining the school.

“The immediate goal is to lead the school out of special measures.

“This is underpinned by a commitment to providing an excellent educational experience for all our students.”

A report released by OFSTED in July 2017 labelled the school ‘inadequate’.

The Alveston school was also found to require improvement when it was inspected shortly before converting to an academy as part of the Castle School Education Trust in November 2014.

“At the heart of everything I seek to achieve is a desire to ensure that our students receive the very best standards of teaching and learning and a curriculum that enables them to make excellent progress, irrespective of their starting point.”

Mr Planter added: “Our statement `Working together for excellence’ resonates with my belief that high standards and a sense of community remain fundamental qualities for success.

“The school is at the centre of the community and benefits from great students, staff and a strong community desire to see it flourish once again.

“I have no doubt that if we all work together we can make Marlwood a great school.”

The headteacher also expressed his desire to strengthen the school’s engagement with the community and praised the ‘Friends of Marlwood School’ group.

The group is a body of parents, families and friends who fund raise for the enrichment of all pupils. This has included raising £3000 for a 3D printer, providing pupils with technology to equip them with skills for design and engineering in the twenty-first century.

Through regular gardening days have been able to improve the grounds and gardens at the school.

The school is holding an Open Evening on Thursday, September 20.