THE White Horse Federation has appointed a new interim principal of Melksham Oak Community School.

Aidan Blowers joined the school in 2012 as a member of the teaching faculty. He succeeds Stephen Clark, who is due to formally retire later this month.

In a letter sent to parents, Mr Blowers said he was “determined to build on the community ethos” that Mr Clark has developed.

“My aim is to put students at the centre of everything we do so they can learn, achieve, have fun, and grow into exceptional young adults. Put simply, my vision is to develop a great community-centric school.”

To achieve his vision, Mr Blowers is focused on building an ethos around the school’s core values of kindness, effort and mutual respect.

Equally important, he said, was the need to create “a culture of excellence in teaching and learning, provide a range of academic and extra-curricular opportunities for students, and promote mental and physical well-being for the whole school community.”

Before joining Melksham Oak in September 2012, Mr Blowers spent more than 20 years teaching at two other schools.

He said: “I have never worked with a more passionate, committed, and skilled team of staff” and praised the school and its students.

Mr Blowers said: “We’re fortunate enough to be situated in one of the most modern and well-equipped school facilities within this region, and our students are passionate, gifted, and offer so much potential.”

Mr Blowers will initially be supported in his new role by Vice Principal Owen Vince and five assistant principals — Charmian Jones, Jo Lawrence, Jane Furnivall, Steve Phillips, and Mark Surowiec.