A WORCESTER school's first new headteacher for 28 years is hoping to maintain its high standards when he takes over the reigns in September.

Alun Williams (pictured), currently deputy head at Nunnery Wood High School, will be promoted to the top job at the start of the next academic year.

Footsteps

He will be following in the footsteps of Alan Brodrick, who has been in charge of the school on Spetchley Road for the past 28 years.

Mr Williams has been at Nunnery Wood for four years. The 39-year-old was previously curriculum co-ordinator and head of IT at Evesham High School, and spent the first years of his career at schools in Nottingham.

The maths and IT teacher, who is from Lower Wick, is married with two children.

He paid tribute to his predecessor, Mr Brodrick, saying the school's reputation was testament to his leadership over many years.

"I'm very excited at the prospect of becoming headteacher at Nunnery Wood," he said.

High standards

"I'm very much looking forward to maintaining Nunnery Wood's very high standards."

Mr Williams would not reveal his future plans for the school. "I will need a bit of time to look at what's going on," he said.

Mr Brodrick surprised Worcester MP Mike Foster earlier this year by questioning the benefits of youngsters staying on at school or going to university.

He said he was not convinced post-16 full-time education was advisable for all pupils.

It remains to be seen whether Mr Williams holds similar beliefs.

"I'm keeping my cards close to my chest at the moment, but I'm looking forward to taking over and making my mark," he said.