A new principal with a "fantastic record of success" will join The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College this September. 

Adrian Cush will take up the post next academic year after current principal Christopher Belli announced that the school would be entering the "next stage of development".

The new head, who has worked in education for 20 years, is currently principal of Whiteland's Academy, one of the most oversubscribed schools in Oxfordshire. He has been principal there since the school's opening in 2019.

Mr Cush has "a fantastic record of success and high performance" and "of improving outcomes during his tenure", according to the White Horse Federation.

Mr Belli took over as principal of Ridgeway School in May 2021 following the sudden resignation of James Povoas. Mr Povoas decided to step down for "personal reasons".

In a letter to staff, Mr Belli, who is also director of secondaries at The White Horse Federation, wrote:“At Ridgeway, we pride ourselves on inspiring our students for their future through a vibrant, innovative and supportive environment, and maximising individual students’ development and achievement is what everyday is about.

“We know how important The Ridgeway School is to the life chances of the students it serves and the community.

"Adrian is an experienced educational leader, and I have no doubt that his contributions will only further drive Ridgeway’s ambition and success, and build upon its reputation.”

Mr Cush said he was "delighted" to join the Swindon school on September 1. 

He added: "I have been fortunate to be able to visit the school on several occasions and have always been warmly welcomed.

"The vibrant and supportive atmosphere is second to none and one that I am delighted to become part of.

"Ridgeway has consistently committed itself to inspiring students to reach their potential both academically and personally in a caring and warm environment and this can be seen through its recent successes

"The opportunity to become part of this and shape Ridgeway's future development is a phenomenal opportunity and one I will relish.”

The Wroughton school was last inspected by Ofsted back in March 2020 when it continued to be rated as Good.

The report suggested the school "could be judged outstanding" if inspectors carried out a Section 5 inspection.