Devizes School's new headteacher David Cooper outlines plans

David Cooper began his role as headteacher at Devizes School on Monday, September 4, and says he has since quickly settled in the role thanks to a warm welcome from staff and students.

The 50-year-old, who has taken on his first headteacher role after 28 years of teaching experience, is hoping to implement a range of policies to make the school as welcoming as possible and prepare children for the wider world.

He said: “The big emphasis that we’re having at the moment is all about respect, politeness and good manners from staff and students alike.

“We’re having a real big push on that to make sure everyone treats each other in a kind and considerate way… they’ve responded brilliantly to that.

“We’ve had a lot of assemblies with students and spent a lot of time talking to them and making sure that we’re training them in how they should conduct themselves.

“We want to make it a kind environment that is also very businesslike, so the students are getting ready for the wider world and the workplace.”

Devizes School

The school are also hoping to ensure that “really high levels of engagement” are maintained during lessons while students will be challenged to push themselves and be “ambitious.”

Mr Cooper joins Devizes School from Wellsway School in Keynsham, near Bristol.

He added that his appointment is even more special as he has lived in the county for many years and has an “attachment” to the area.

While the Wiltshire native is stepping into the hotseat at a school for the first time, he told this paper his transition had been aided by the help of Devizes school’s pupils.

“It’s been fantastic, I can’t speak highly enough of the students and staff, but the children are a delight”, said Mr Cooper.

“They’ve given me a fantastic welcome, their attitude has impressed me, and I really feel like I’ve made a very good decision to come here.”

David Cooper at Devizes School (Image: Devizes School)

There will be an opportunity for local families to meet Mr Cooper and see the work the school is doing on September 21 from 5pm to 7pm.

The head added: “Naturally I’m really keen for people to come in, meet us, find out what we’re about and take a look around things that we’re doing at the school.”