The deputy headteacher of Ledbury's John Masefield High School has left after 14 years in the role.

Andy Collard has joined St Egwins CE Middle School in Evesham as headteacher.

“It has been a very busy but nevertheless amazing first week as head at St Egwins, where I have been made to feel really welcome by the amazing staff and pupils of the school,” he said.

Mr Collard added that while he had been “so happy” at John Masefield, “when the opportunity to become Head at St Egwins came up there was no way that I could turn it down.

Having had the chance to sit in on lessons and get to know pupils and staff at the school, Mr Collard said: “I have the absolute honour and privilege of leading a school where community, respect and love are the foundations of the success of the school.

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“This week I have seen so many wonderful lessons where staff have shown such a strong pride and belief in the pupils.

“I’ve seen incredible creative writing in English, fantastic singing in preparation for the summer production of Grease, challenging problem solving in maths, amazing food and other inspiring projects from pupils in DT, seen great team spirit and participation in PE and even been treated to an outdoor Samba lesson, where pupils were playing a range of instruments around the school.

“I feel like a child in a sweet shop and whilst I am aware of the many challenges facing school leadership in such a demanding time, both educationally and financially, I am loving every minute at St Egwins.

“I want to build on the many strengths of the school whilst protecting the Christian ethos that celebrates the God-given uninequness of every person in the school community.

“It's going to be a very busy half term with so many activities going on but I am really excited by the challenge. I am incredibly proud and humble to have been given this opportunity and I intend to enjoy every minute of what I consider to be the best job in the world.”