A NEW headteacher has been appointed to lead a Basingstoke secondary school.

In March, The Gazette revealed that Julie Churcher, headteacher at Aldworth Science College, in Western Way, will retire at the end of the summer term, after 10 years leading the school.

Her replacement has now been chosen, and he is getting up to speed before officially starting in September.

Denis McCabe is currently deputy head at St Peter’s School in Bournemouth, which is a mixed comprehensive with 1,600 pupils aged between 11 and 18.

He has been the deputy there for nine years, after starting his career as a science teacher in Hemel Hempsted.

The 42-year-old, who lives in Dorset, said: “I applied for this headship because of the opportunity to make a difference here.

“The school is making progress, and my leadership will enable it to progress and flourish. I hope to make it a popular first choice school for parents and an outstanding learning community for students.”

He paid tribute to Mrs Churcher, adding: “She’s a well-respected headteacher, and she is able to make sure the handover is smooth and seamless. It’s about building on her progress and also putting my own mark on the school. I’m confident that with the leadership team and staff in place, we will be able to do that.”

Mr McCabe, a father-of-two, said his main challenge will be to establish himself in the school and gain the respect of the staff and students.

He added: “I want to get to know the whole community and work with them. It’s about keeping that momentum going to ensure the students continue to flourish.”

He said he was excited about his first headship position, adding: “It’s a role that I have wanted to do since I started teaching, but I wanted to find the right school. I’m really looking forward to starting in September and I have been made to feel very welcome by staff, students and the governors.”

Mrs Churcher said she was pleased to be handing over to Mr McCabe, adding: “It’s about a new beginning while also maintaining the very best of Aldworth Science College. I have absolute faith that Denis McCabe will build on the existing strengths of the school and take it forward in the way it deserves.”