GOVERNORS of Churchfields School have appointed a new head teacher.

Steve Flavin, 40, is already acting headteacher. His official appointment to the role is seen by staff, pupils and parents as a vote of confidence in his achievements.

Mr Flavin said: "I know that Churchfields can once more be among the best secondary schools in the area and indeed the country.

"I am determined that it will be so in the near future.

"Our students deserve the best, they will get the best and they will be the best."

Chairwoman of the school's governors, Jane McDonald, gave Mr Flavin a strong endorsement.

She said: "Mr Flavin's appointment in the face of stiff competition is a clear signal that recent improvements at the school will continue apace.

"Governors are very confident that Mr Flavin has exactly the right qualities and track record to lead the school to success."

Her words were echoed by Martin Grant, assistant director of school improvements with Tribal, the firm brought in to rescue the town's education system after the authority's disastrous Ofsted report last autumn.

Mr Grant was on hand to advise Churchfield's governors during the new head teacher's two-day recruitment process.

He said: "Mr Flavin is without doubt among the strongest of candidates for headship that I have ever come across.

"He has already started a job of turning the school around and rapid progress can now be achieved.

"Mr Flavin and Churchfields can expect, and will get, the full support of the new Swindon LEA in making his vision a reality."

Recent Ofsted reports on Churchfields have shown the school rallying after earlier poor assessments.

Churchfields a college of the performing arts offers the usual range of academic subjects, but with additional emphasis on and specialist teaching in the performing arts, including drama, dance and music.