THE new headteacher of a Pendle secondary school has said he is delighted to be taking over the top job after 10 years as deputy.

Ian Adlington, who joined Marsden Heights Community College in Nelson when it was set up, has been appointed as headteacher by the board of governors.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Mr Adlington has been serving as acting headteacher since previous headteacher Mike Tull retired on health grounds earlier this year.

The 59-year-old father-of-two was previously deputy headteacher at Edge End High School in Nelson, which was closed to form part of the new school.

He commented: “I’m thrilled to have been named as the permanent headteacher and I’m quite relieved. Just because I was the acting headteacher there was no guarantee that I was going to be given the job.

“I’m told that five people were called for interviews and that the school received applications from across the country and that it was a strong field.

“It has been quite a stressful time but I’m glad now that I have been given the chance on a permanent basis to help improve the school further.When the parents were told they were very positive which was great.

“We achieved a ‘good’ Ofsted rating after our last inspection and I hope that we can improve on that the next time.”

In a letter to parents, chair of governors Canon Ed Saville said: “He was appointed from a very strong field of candidates, and the interview process took into account the views of the staff and the students, though the final decision remained with the governors.

“I look forward to working with Mr Adlington in his new role over the coming years and I am sure that you will support him in his drive to improve the college and the achievements of all students.”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson added: “I have met with the new headteacher on a number of occasions and I’m delighted that he has been appointed to this permanent position.

“I have been lucky enough to attend a number of awards evenings and other events and he clearly is very enthusiastic about the school.”

The community college opened on September 1, 2006 as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme and serves the young people and the communities of Brierfield and Nelson. It aims to work in full partnership with parents, governors and the local community to provide the top quality education and life chances for children.