New headteacher urging pupils and staff to set high expectations (From Bucks Free Press)

New headteacher urging pupils and staff to set high expectations

12:23pm Tuesday 18th September 2012 in News

THE new headteacher of Sir William Ramsay School is setting his sights high as he looks to carry the baton left by his predecessor.

Mark Mayne took over the reins of the Hazlemere school in September and has enjoyed every minute of his new role so far.

The Reading resident said following in the footsteps of ex-head Gaynor Coomber will be tough after an impressive exam results showing but he is demanding pupils, staff and parents set their expectations high.

He said: “It has been a fantastic start; the pupils, parents and staff have all been outstanding, and the school has been doing very well so it is a privilege to come into the role.

“From that very strong foundation of success, the vision that I have for the school is quite simple – everyone will achieve, whatever it takes, no excuses.

“I spoke to year seven students on their first day at school and I mapped out the three essential ingredients for their success here - high expectations of themselves, of each other and of every single adult who teaches and supports them.

“A commitment I make to every pupil is that we will ensure that they are safe and secure, and we will endeavour to find the spark or talent in every individual and nurture it.”

Mr Mayne has been working in education for 20 years, having started his career as a drama teacher in the Midlands.

He moves to the Rose Avenue-based school after 15 years with the Hampstead School in Camden, where he was deputy headteacher.

Mr Mayne said he was familiar with many of the schools in south Bucks, including Ramsay, before his switch but said it was “too early” to discuss any potential big changes to the school in the long term.