CLIVE WESTALL, the newly appointed headteacher of St Francis, will notice a culture shock when he steps into St Francis Primary.

Mr Westall's present school Gorsley Goffs in Ross-on-Wye has a rich history, dating back to 1830.

But the headteacher is looking forward to the challenges when his new school opens in September this year.

He said: "Not many headteachers can say that they have started a school from scratch.

"When I saw this post advertised it immediately shone out. It has amazing potential and it's a unique opportunity."

Mr Westall, 38, says that a school is vital if a community is to gel.

He said: "It is not just a place of learning. It is also a meeting place for children and parents alike.

"Children get to know each other in the playground and the parents get chatting to one another at the school gates.

"This is a community that is going places and the creation of a new school is a milestone in its evolution."

The headteacher, who officially took up his post on January 1, says that he is keen to meet parents, as well as other heads to pick up tips and advice.

He said: "I am trying to speak to as many people as I can before I move to the area. On January 28 I will be meeting prospective parents.

"One or two headteachers of the newer ones have told me to expect lots of packaging and boxes."

Michael Keeling, chairman of the Swindon Association of Primary Head-teachers conveyed his best wishes to Mr Westall.

He said: "It is vitally important that a new community has a school.

"Unfortunately churches no longer provide that focus for people schools are increasingly filling that gap."

But Mr Keeling, who is also headteacher of Even Swindon Infant School, said that Mr Westall can look forward to plenty of challenges.

"The key thing for new schools is to ensure everything is up and running properly before the pupils are admitted."

"The school also needs to be designed properly. In some cases the headteacher's vision does not turn into reality because of building complications.

"Once open, the school must work closely with the parents to ensure the children get the best possible education.

"To start from scratch is always going to be a challenge, but there are also big advantages. This is a fresh start."