THE new head of a Worcester primary school has pledged to turn it into “one of the finest in the country”.

Matthew Meckin says pupils at Oasis Academy Warndon, previously named Warndon Primary School – and formally listed by education watchdogs as requiring special measures just two years ago – will receive the very best education.

The 35-year-old is the first permanent head at the school since it became an academy in October. He takes up his position in the new year having joined from rural Suckley Primary School on the Worcestershire/Herefordshire border, where he was head for four years.

“I’m absolutely delighted and proud to be appointed principal of the Oasis Academy Warndon,” said Mr Meckin.

“The school has been through some challenging times in recent years but is now on a steep trajectory of improvement.”

He says he will be working with the school community to “create an exciting vision for the future. Children will have the very best education based on an innovative curriculum and high aspirations for all.

“We will work together to build the reputation and develop the school into one of the finest in the country.”

The new head, a keen athlete who has competed in the World Cross Country Championships, said Oasis will help develop the school “at a rapid rate, with an inclusive and community centred ethos”.

Oasis is a charitable organisation which is responsible for 32 primary and secondary schools across the UK.

Mr Meckin’s appointment has been championed by the school’s outgoing interim principal David Coache, who was brought in to oversee the change from local authority to academy. He says Oasis has appointed the right man.

“Myself and the leadership team have been working closely with him,” said Mr Coache, who is returning to St Andrew’s School in Evesham from January.

“He has an outstanding record as a highly successful school leader in Worcestershire.

“His enthusiasm, energy and focused approach will provide a very clear vision and direction going into the spring term.”

Mr Coache said he has enjoyed working with the school’s “cracking staff team and delightful children”.

“The academy has had an extremely positive start with overwhelmingly positive support from our parents and local community, and I know Mr Meckin will build on this as he leads Oasis Academy Warndon towards a very bright and successful future,” he said.

Suckley’s new headteacher is Matthew Mander, who is on a temporary secondment from The Coppice Primary School in Wythall, Worcestershire.