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

Governors at Brighton Hill Community School announced last Friday that Christopher Edwards will take on the role in January 2017.

He is currently a deputy headteacher at Magna Carta School, in Staines upon Thames, Surrey, which was rated as “good” by Ofsted in September 2013, after converting to an academy.

As previously reported in The Gazette, Brighton Hill Community School, in Brighton Way, has been without a permanent headteacher since April, after Charlie Currie left suddenly for “personal reasons” having already announced in February that he was going to retire at the end of the academic year.

Governors informed parents that there was not enough time to recruit a new headteacher to start in September.

The first round of interviews held in July were unsuccessful.

Mr Edwards was involved in a rigorous two-day interview process this month, which included leading an assembly for Year 10 students and being interviewed by staff, students, governors and the local authority.

Jane Pratt, chair of governors, told The Gazette: “Chris Edwards was an outstanding candidate and we are delighted that he will be our new headteacher.

“We want the best for our school and we are confident that in Chris, we have found an inspirational leader.”

Mr Edwards is expected to attend several school events this term to meet parents and pupils before he officially starts his new role.

He said: “I have a strong passion to make a difference and I cannot imagine a more exciting opportunity to do that than as the headteacher of Brighton Hill Community School.

“I was overwhelmed by the reception I received from the students and staff during my visit and interview.

“It will be a privilege to lead the school into this new era, where we will see Brighton Hill Community School establish its rightful place, proudly serving the whole of the local community and beyond.”