THE new head teacher at Ulverston Victoria High School says he wants it to become the ‘best in the county’.

Acting head Matthew Hardwick will take on the full-time role with effect from January 1

Mr Hardwick has been a senior leader at the school since his arrival in 2008.

On receiving news of this appointment, he said: “I don’t think there is any greater trust than to lead a school, more so to lead a school with such a great history as UVHS. This is a fantastic school at the heart of the community, high achieving and inclusive.

“Children come here from all over the local area because their parents know that they will receive exceptional start in life through excellent teaching, and care and support that is second to none.

“I came to UVHS, in 2008, when things were going less well, to improve teaching and learning and behaviour for learning.

“Ten years later the school is a very different place, with buildings and facilities to match our awesome students and brilliant teaching and support staff.”

The school leaders said Mr Hardwick had successfully managed many of the strategies that have been implemented since 2008, resulting in the ‘fantastic’ GCSE and A Level results that students have attained at UVHS over the last 10 years.

“Following our excellent OFSTED report, this is now the time to move the school forward and see it become the best school in the county,” added Mr Hardwick.

“As the leader of a school it is possible to make a difference to the lives of all of our children, to give them high aspirations and support them to achieve.

“In a time of political and financial uncertainty in education, with a reduction in the support available from outside agencies, this job has never been more challenging nor more important.

“However it is still the best job in the world.

“I would like to thank the governors of UVHS for placing their trust in me and giving me the opportunity to continue to develop our fantastic learning community.”