THE new head teacher of one of the area's top schools has pledged to make it one of the best in the country.

Steve Jex, right, has just taken over as head teacher at Horsforth School - and although he has been impressed by what he has seen so far, he feels there is still room for improvement.

He said: "Horsforth School already has a reputation for being one of the best in the city and it is my intention to make it one of the best in the country.

"This school must continue to be the focal point and heart of the community, offering a wide range of opportunities to all students in an environment where achievement is expected and applauded.

"We intend to maximise the talents and potential of each student and make them proud to be a pupil here."

Working closely with people in the township is also one of Mr Jex's top priorities.

"My experiences over many years have been that, for a school to be successful, a mutually supportive partnership between parents, school, students and community is essential."

The new school year has already seen the distribution of a questionnaire to all parents and staff to got their views. Pupils' views and opinions are also being sought.

Chief Inspector of Schools, Chris Woodhead, singled out Mr Jex's work at Nidderdale High School and Community College in his annual report to parliament, commenting on the 'excellent improvement' at the school. Over a period of over three years, the pass rate at A* to C at GCSE increased from 36 per cent to 66 per cent. Mr Jex, who says visitors are welcome to the school, is a family man whose interests as being mainly sports-related.

l Meanwhile English teacher and head of sixth form careers, Mrs Francine Morris, has been appointed to the newly-created position of Head of External Communications, which is aimed at informing people of achievements in the school.