THE acting head of The Purbeck School has been appointed on a permanent basis, it has been announced.

Adam Darley, who stepped into the acting head role last September after the departure of Leanne Symonds, takes up the post with immediate effect.

Mr Darley said: "I am very happy to be confirmed as the permanent headteacher. I've enjoyed working at the school as deputy head and lately acting headteacher and look forward to build on our existing strengths in teaching and learning.

"I am proud that of our school's excellent track record in helping every child achieve his or her potential which is demonstrated by our Progress 8 score which puts us in the top three schools in Dorset and top 25 per cent of secondary schools nationally."

Mrs Symonds left The Purbeck School to take up a new position as the new head of Ringwood School.

Purbeck School chair of governors Dr Peter Sculpholme said: "Our school has made great progress in recent years improving the results achieved by our students.

"At The Purbeck School our goal is to provide young people of all abilities with outstanding education opportunities based on a broad curriculum of academic and vocational options."

The school advertised the position of headteacher nationally, and Dr Sculpholme says a "large number of highly qualified" people applied.

Following thorough two-day interviews of the shortlisted candidates, the governors unanimously agreed that Mr Darley was the right person for the job.

"Adam is the right person to take us forward", said Dr Sculpholme. "We are delighted to confirm his appointment as head."

The Purbeck School, in Wareham, has around 1,000 students, aged 11-18.