A NEW headteacher has vowed to turn his ‘good’ school into an ‘outstanding’ one.

Former police officer Tim Mitchell, 51, who has taken up the headship at Norden High School, Rishton, is currently looking at innovative ways in consultation with staff, governors and parents to boost the school’s performance.

He said that gifted pupils could sit GCSEs early whether they are in year seven eight or 10.

And Mr Mitchell said if a child was advanced enough to progress on to A-levels in one or a number of subjects he would teach those subjects in school Tim, who retrained as a teacher after four years on the police force in Portsmouth, said that he intends to know each pupil by name and refuses to hide behind his desk.

The maths teacher plans to be in the classroom on a regular basis and ensure he knows each of his 600 plus students by name.

Mr Mitchell, who left his post at a Nottingham high school for the position, said: “We want this to be the school of choice for the local community.

“We want to each pupil to have their own curriculum.

“I will return to teaching in the classroom, and I will be in the classroom supporting teachers and children. If children see you taking an interest in their achievement it will help raise standards.

“I recognise that people develop at different times in different subject areas.

“I know we are a 11 to 16 school but that doesn’t mean we can’t teacher some children to A-level standard. ”

Mr Mitchell said: “It’s unbelievable. It is a really fantastic school, the children, staff and local community have been so welcoming.

“I can’t stop smiling.

“I have always enjoyed teaching and working with young people trying to overcome the difficulties and maths of one of those subjects that people have very strong views about.

“There is a significant increase in young people going to study in universities closer to home and we have to ensure as a school we are meeting the needs of the children and the local community.

“I don’t see this school expanding and becoming a large school.

“These children are the future and we have to look at the needs of the community when we educate them.”