THE headteacher of a Basingstoke secondary school has left after a decade at the helm.

Anthony Corish has taken up a headship at a London school after 10 years at Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School.

The school, in St Michael’s Road, South Ham, celebrates its 40th year in 2015, and Mr Corish was only the third head to lead the school.

The first was Paul Connolly from 1975 to 1994, followed by Michael Whitty from 1995 to 2005 then Mr Corish, who joined in 2005.

He has left Bishop Challoner in a good position, having just received an “outstanding” report from the Diocese of Portsmouth.

The report, prepared by a validation team, said: “members of staff are wholeheartedly committed to the ethos and mission of the school and give their time extremely generously, including running Saturday School.”

It added: “The commitment of staff and the care for individuals result in excellent relationships between staff and students.”

The school was inspected by the Diocese in various areas, including spiritual development, quality of teaching in RE, leadership and management and the school community.

All areas were “outstanding”.

In order to improve, the school, which has 807 pupils on its roll, was asked to develop further opportunities for days of reflection/ retreats for whole year groups, share a more consistent approach to marking in the RE departments and provide a prayer space within the main school campus.

Mr Corish saw many changes at Bishop Challoner throughout his decade at the school, including the building of a new sports hall and theatre.

Taking over the role this month will be John Wright, who has been at the school since 2001 and assistant headteacher since 2011.

Kate Webb, chair of governors, said: “A new chapter is opening in the history of this great school. In the words of Bishop Richard Challoner it will continue ‘to do ordinary things extraordinarily well’.”

Bishop Challoner is holding a 40th anniversary reunion on September 19 at 7.30pm in the school hall for former students, staff and parents.

Tickets bought in advance cost £3, and all profits will be donated to Bishop Challoner’s link school in the Cameroon.