15893/1GAZETTE & HERALD: NEXT summer will see changes at the top at Springfields School in Calne as deputy head, Trystan Williams, takes over from retiring headteacher Graham Templeman.

Mr Williams, who is in his third year at the school, beat off a number of other applicants to become the new headteacher at just 33.

Mr Templeman, 59, has been headteacher of the school for children with emotional and behavioural problems for 11 years.

In that time the school has increased in size from 56 pupils to 72 permanent pupils with 220 to 250 additional students from 15 mainstream schools in the area.

The school has also set up the spell centre, a centre for parents and primary children to help them deal with their emotions.

Mr Templeman said there was a risk in starting the spell centre and even discouragement from the local authority but it is now being taken up by other schools around the country.

The school also applied to become a specialist sports college this year and was recognised as a beacon for educational standards for children with special needs by Ofsted.

Mr Templeman, who has been approached to undertake consultancy work, said he had enjoyed his time at the school.

"It's been enjoyable. I have enjoyed the developments within the school without a doubt and the school does an excellent job and is seen as a good example of good practice within this field."

Other personal achievements Mr Templeman cited were the Ofsted team praising the children at the school.

He said he still had the enthusiasm for the job but his energy levels had reduced.

"There's some of it I will miss but I look forward to other things and relaxation."

Mr Williams said becoming the head teacher of Springfields was like a dream: "This job is what I have wanted since I started teaching.

"I am very fortunate to have such a hardworking, supportive, strong staff team with a combination of youthful enthusiasm and they are also level headed."

Mr Williams said he would try to continue the high standards set by Mr Templeman.

"Graham's been my mentor since I started here as a raw but enthusiastic hard working deputy and in his guidance he's slapped my wrist but it's done me the world of good.

"I will try to maintain the high standards set by him by developing the sports college and what we will hopefully receive from the next Ofsted inspection is more positive reports."

Mr Templeman said he would like to thank his senior management team, care workers, teachers and all staff at the school.

The last piece of Mr Templeman's legacy, the sports college application, has reached its final stage with a date now being fixed for an inspector to attend the school.

The school will learn in the summer if it had been successful in its application.

Mr Williams said the whole school was buzzing with excitement.

"The staff involved have been beaming and the enthusiasm is spreading and the pupils are really excited and proud of their school."

Springfields had to raise £20,000 to fund the application but, if the bid is successful, the school will receive £400,000 over five years, including £150,000 for a capital project such as the planned sports science laboratory.