Wadebridge Primary School has new head teacher

Wadebridge Primary School children start 2012 with a new head teacher.

Adrian Massey was previously head of Bishop Bronescombe School, St Austell. He took over from Geoff Leend, who retired before Christmas.

During Mr Leend's nine years as head teacher the school was inspected by ofsted on two occasions. First in 2006 when it reported "Her Majesty's Chief Inspector is of the opinion that this school requires significant improvement, because it is performing significantly less well than in all the circumstances it could reasonably be expected to perform. The school is therefore given a Notice to Improve."

The report also stated, "Although leaders in the school have successfully tackled several issues, overall leadership and management across the school is inadequate."

"The time is now ripe for these weaknesses to be tackled more effectively."

In 2010 ofsted rated the school as satisfactory (1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate).

Perhaps now, 7 years on from ofsted's 2006 report, the time really is ripe for improvement.

Mr Massey said: "I have not been more excited about the start of a new year for a very long time. I have patiently waited for this week since I was appointed as the new head teacher in July last year.

"Wadebridge Primary is a lovely school with a happy atmosphere, full of eager, bright young children. I aim to use my experience to work closely with the staff to make the future as bright as possible for everyone associated with the school.

"The commitment is already there from children, staff and governors, in probably the best location for a beautiful primary school building anywhere in Cornwall.

"We will continue to drive standards up for the children here, giving them a rich curriculum which equips them for life in the 21st century."