A NEW Principle has been announced at a school as it approaches its 100th year.

Rod Jackson will become the ninth Principal at Gosfield School when he takes over from Guy Martyn who is leaving to be with his wife and children in Cumbria.

Mr Martyn, who has led the school for four years said Covid has changed his priorities as he wants to spend more time with his family.

He said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing Gosfield grow in all kinds of ways in my time here.

"We’ve built so much that will last a long time and it’s been fantastic to have been a part of that.

"As for so many people, Covid has changed my priorities and that familiar line of ‘wanting to spend more time with my family’ is true for me and as difficult as the decision has been, leaving the school is going to be my way of doing that.

"Gosfield is in a very strong place and there are undoubtedly exciting times ahead under Mr Jackson’s leadership as the school approaches its 100th year at Cut Hedge Park.”

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During his time, Mr Martyn has overseen the launch of the school's Cricket Academy as well as the planning of the new Performing Arts Academy and Centre.

New Principal Mr Jackson, who hails from Adelaide in Australia said it is an "honour and privilege" to join the school.

Mr Jackson added: "Gosfield is a school which places academic excellence in the context of an outstanding extracurricular provision within a nurturing, value rich environment that promotes the personal development of each pupil as an individual.

"The Gosfield values – Grow. Achieve. Inspire! – embody everything that characterises a great school and closely reflect the values I have striven to enact across the thirty-year span of my career in education”.

"I am very much looking forward to having the opportunity over the coming months to meet and get to know as many members of the Gosfield family as possible."

Mr Jackson is joining the school following his position as Head at ICS International School in London.

Gosfield School recently announced the building of a £1.67m Performing Arts Centre which will become home to its new Performing Arts Academy.

Mr Jackson will join the school on September 1.