THE new head teacher of one of Bradford's top schools has spoken about how he jumped at the chance to take what he describes as the "best job in Yorkshire"

Dr Simon Hinchliffe took the helm at Bradford Grammar School at the start of the term, after Kevin Riley retired in December.

He is leading a school that counts David Hockney, Sir William Rothenstein and the Brownlee brothers as former students, and said while recognised the huge responsibility, he saw it as a privilege.

Dr Hinchliffe joined the school, near Lister Park in Manningham and dating back to 1548, in 2014 as deputy head teacher, and said the school was one of the best regarded in the north of England.

He was previously head of sixth form at Wolverhampton Grammar School for four years and before that a geography teacher and head of year at the school.

He said he had no inkling when he moved to the school that within a few years he would have the top job.

"I had no idea the position would be going to come up in a few years. It was never part of the game plan. When Keith announced his retirement I thought long and hard about it. A little voice in my head said 'if you don't have a crack at this, you'll kicking yourself in future," he said.

He said his path to school leadership was not the typical one, having spent much of his career as a geography teacher.

"It is a myth that you have to jump from school to school to get somewhere. My experience shows that you should just stay true to yourself, and if it is going to happen, it is going to happen," Dr Hinchcliffe added.

Dr Hinchliffe, originally from Rotherham, now lives in Skipton.

He said: "Bradford Grammar School's reputation goes before it. When I was in Wolverhampton, I knew it to be one of the best schools in the north. It has a national profile and a great reputation.

"It is a very impressive school, and Bradford is, quite rightly, very proud of it. The school represents Yorkshire really well."

He said it was a "wonderful responsibility" to take on the new role.

"It is a privilege as well as a responsibility. It feels like I have the best job in Yorkshire," Dr Hinchliffe added.

"But despite the school's reputation and history, our responsibility is to our students, but it is important we remain forward looking.

"The school performs very well ans is quite rightly praised for its results. It is ridiculous in terms of the number of pupils who go on to their first choice of university.

"The results day here is a real celebration."

Asked what about the school he would like to change, he said: "The school is in great nick. It doesn't really need a major change in direction. I would say the main thing is to maximise the exam scores. Our pupils do well, but let's see if we can do even better, and prepare our pupils for life after university, whatever professions they choose."

He said the school worked closely with the local community and many of the pupils did volunteering work.

Although he enjoyed his role as deputy head teacher, he said his promotion meant he would get more opportunities to interact with parents and the local community, which he was looking forward to.