THE new headteacher of a primary school has spoken of his determination to continue its record of sporting achievement.
Richard Chandler has taken the reins at Thirsk Community Primary School, following Richard Wild stepping down in July after leading the school since 1999.
The school, which has recently launched an after-school football club, was rated good in all aspects by Ofsted in March.
Mr Chandler, who taught at Hutton Rudby Primary School for three years before working in senior roles at schools in the West Midlands, said he was fulfilling a long-term ambition by returning to North Yorkshire to teach.
He said while he was focused on ensuring the school's 270 pupils achieved their maximum academic potential, he was keen to provide opportunities for children to develop their sporting skills.
Mr Chandler, whose wife, Lauren teaches at nearby Crayke Primary School, and has a nine-year-old son, said: "Sport is a very powerful way of connecting with students regardless of their gender or background."
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