STUDENTS and staff at Droitwich Spa High School have welcomed an ambitious new headteacher.

A fresh face sits behind the headmaster's desk at the Briar Hill school - Mr Allan Foulds. He has stepped into the position previously held by Cledwyn Davies.

Foulds, aged 45, left his headership at Christopher Whitehead High School, in Worcester, to take on the post and Droitwich High is the third school he has managed in Worcestershire.

Three weeks into the term and I believe Mr Foulds is settling in well.

He appears relaxed and confident in his surroundings and is keen to further improve what is already a successful establishment.

"It's a privilege to be part of an improved and improving school and I must pay my respects to Cledwyn for that honour," he said.

"He did a wonderful job and I am hoping to build on the school's success story."

The former science teacher hopes to reach out to residents when promoting the school's sports college status.

It must bid for the coveted title again later this year and, if successful, further partnerships within the town and county are planned.

While the school has a reputation for excellent standards, there is always room to improve.

Mr Foulds hopes to roll out a programme of building and decoration works.

"Working in a clean and fresh environment can make all the difference," he explained.

Maintaining and enhancing student behaviour is another priority, along with continuing investment in new technologies and support for trainee teachers.

Mr Foulds keeps a keen eye on all new schools' funding packages and expects bids to be whizzing out.

One area the married father-of-three admits will be difficult to strengthen is the sixth form.

"It's spot on," he told The Advertiser.

"We offer a wide range of courses, lots of extra curricula opportunities and students are keen to stay on.

"I expect intake in the sixth form to be up this year, taking school numbers over 1,500. We are rivalling post-16 establishments across Worcestershire."

There are no plans for immediate changes to uniform, rules and regulations but, said Mr Foulds, they: "May come in the future but not until I know this school inside out and I am confident changes will work."

While he is not timetabled to teach classes, he hopes to take part in lessons in every department and is happy to cover classes if staff shortages arise.

When he's not keeping an eye on school activities, the Malvern resident enjoys spending time with his family and visiting places of historic interest, jogging, reading and trying out daredevil sports.

He has already flown a plane and experienced white water rafting so who knows what's around the corner. "I enjoy challenges and that's a key reason for me being here today," he said.

"I'm looking to put into practise what I have learnt so far and, hopefully, take this school to even greater new heights."