THE transformation of a Worcester primary school will be well underway when it re-opens in September with a new headteacher - and under a new name.

Elbury Mount Primary, in Brickfields, will finally put years of poor results, serious weaknesses and special measures behind it when it is unveiled as Fairfield Community Primary School in the new academic year.

The change of name is just one aspect of the Fresh Start initiative - which aims to turn round failing schools by investing in them and strengthening the school's leadership.

When the school opens on Wednesday, September 1, as Fairfield Community Primary, it will have a new headteacher, Alex Wall, and a new board of governors.

Building work will also be underway to transform the present 1950s school building into a state-of-the-art community centre, including the school, a car park and playing fields.

"I have been intensively involved in improving schools since 1997 and I relish the challenge," said Mr Wall, who was headteacher at Hampton St Andrew's CE First School, in Maryman's Road, Evesham.

"I think the Fairfield Community Primary School has a really excellent future."

More than 50 per cent of parents from the school responded to a survey to choose a new name, and others have been "very positive" during discussions about school activities.

"The potential is enormous and the support from the parents already has been strong," he added. "I look forward to working with them."

Mr Wall was one of six headteachers short-listed for the position, but his experience with schools coming out of educational weaknesses proved crucial in helping him to clinch the post.

"Alex is a really good head, with some great ideas and lots of experience of pulling schools out of special measures," said county councillor John Buckley, chairman of the school's interim board of governors.

"He has some really good ideas to get the parents and pupils to meet the staff in the first few days and everything's in place."

Lessons will start late at Fairfield Community Primary School as the first week of term will be spent familiarising parents and pupils with the new staff.

Mr Wall takes over from acting head Julia Rogula, who will return to her position as deputy headteacher at Pitmaston Primary School, in Malvern Road, Worcester.