Locks Heath Junior School is preparing for a new head teacher to join the team in September.
Kevin Parfoot, who is currently head teacher at Purbrook Junior School in Waterlooville, will be taking over as head of the school in Warsash Road.
Chair of Governors Keira Sewell welcomes new head teacher Kevin Parfoot
He is delighted to join the staff and pupils, and said: “I’m a bit nervous, but excited.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and meeting the new entrants from the infant school. The two schools serve their community well and consequently both are very popular schools.
“For me that’s what I was looking forward to, joining a popular school where the centre of gravity was a high standard, but I want to take it higher.”
He said he wanted to set a new challenge for himself having been at Purbrook for the past 10 years. Having liaised with Locks Heath Juniors during this time, he knew it was the school for him.
He added: “This is a very strong school and I want to retain those strengths – it’s strong in sport and the arts. The children are very proud of the school and there is a strong team spirit with the staff.
“There are areas that need to be developed, but there won’t be any sudden changes. I’m looking forward to a really strong partnership with deputy head Andy Clarke.”
Following Jim Lambert’s retirement last summer Mr Clarke has been acting head teacher for this academic year.
Keira Sewell, chair of the school governors said: “We were looking for somebody who was strong in terms of vision and leadership and who could take us forward. That’s exactly why we’ve gone with Kevin and we were absolutely delighted with his appointment.”