New headteacher takes over Torbay School in Paignton

Torbay School in Paignton, which caters for pupils with statements of special educational needs, is now looking towards a brighter future after appointing a new headteacher.

James Evans has taken up the position and a new full governing body has been put into place. It follows a recent Ofsted report which shows the school is improving.

Mr Evans has taken over from the temporary executive headteacher, Mike Lock. Previous to his new role, Mr Evans was headteacher of an Alternative Provision Service in Devon where he successfully led the merger of a number of services working with children and young people with additional needs. Prior to that he was headteacher of a pupil referral unit, that he led from an Ofsted inspection of Satisfactory, to one of Good with Outstanding features within two years. Mr Evans has also held leadership positions in a mainstream school and a youth offending team. The new Governing Body replaces the former Interim Executive Board. This was set up early last year to help the school move forward after an Inadequate rating by inspectors in October 2010.

Ofsted has now rated Torbay School as Satisfactory with Good features. An inspector visited in December 2011 and found that the school "has improved since the previous inspection and now provides a sound education for its pupils."

The report highlights a number of good areas including the leadership and management in driving improvement, teaching and learning; safeguarding procedures; care, guidance and support and the extent to which pupils feel safe and adopt healthy lifestyles.

The report also says there is rising attendance, significant improvements in pupils' behaviour and attitudes, and that teaching in English and Maths was often good.

Former headteacher Mike Lock said: "It has been a challenging time, but I am delighted that inspectors have recognised all the hard work that has been carried out to improve Torbay School. I would like to thank staff, pupils, parents and everyone else who has been involved in moving the school forward. I wish James Evans every success in future."

New headteacher James Evans said: "I am delighted to take up my new role and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. I am committed to leading Torbay School to become an Outstanding provision that will build on the good work that has been started. I want to ensure that Torbay School provides the very best learning opportunities for every individual child and young person with us."

Cllr Chris Lewis said: "I'd like to welcome James Evans to Torbay and wish him every success in his new role. I hope that under his leadership and with the support of the new governing body and the council, that Torbay School will be able to build on its recent progress and make even further improvements."