Wiltshire | Archive | 2001 | March | 6
From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Tuesday 6th Mar 2001.
WOOTTON Bassett School has a new head teacher the current head of a nearby secondary school.
Chris Montacute of Bradon Forest School, Purton, will take over the position in September.
He replaces Hylton Thomas, who was awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours List for his services to education.
Two years ago Wootton Bassett School, a comprehensive for 11 to 18-year-olds, achieved the best A-level results in the country.
Mr Montacute, 42, said: "It is a big challenge following someone like Hylton who is an exceptional head teacher.
"I wanted the job because the school has got a great reputation and it's the sort of job anyone would consider applying for. It is one of the top schools in the region with great new facilities planned for next year.
"When I went for my interview I met a lot of students and staff who made me feel really welcome and are a credit to the school."
A new school building is currently under construction on the playing fields, and should be completed by next February. Mr Montacute will be in charge of making sure the changeover goes smoothly.
Mr Montacute began his career in Bristol as a geography teacher 20 years ago. He worked in Bradford-on-Avon and Trowbridge before being appointed as deputy head at a school in Cirencester in 1992. Four years ago he took up the position of head teacher at Bradon Forest School.
The governors there are expected to advertise for a new head in the next few weeks. "Whoever is successful will find themselves in a particularly good school," said Mr Montacute.
Mr Thomas, 59, has been head teacher at Wootton Bassett since 1986 and announced his retirement last year. He is hoping to go into consultancy work. After negotiating for the new school building, he thought it was an appropriate time to leave, as it was the end of an era.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008