A new school has appointed an "outstanding" head teacher ahead of its opening next year.

Stephen Thompson MA, currently the deputy head teacher at St Clement Danes School, in Chorleywood, will take up the position at Croxley Danes School, also in Chorleywood, in January.

He became head of science at St Clement Danes, which was recently awarded World Class School Status, in 2000, and has been on the senior leadership team for the past 14 years.

Mr Thompson said: "I am thrilled to have been appointed to lead Croxley Danes School and I am excited at the prospect of providing another first class school for the children of Croxley Green and surrounding areas.

"I am looking forward to working with students, staff, parents, governors and residents to ensure that the school and its facilities enhance the provision for the community."

Croxley Danes School will cater for up to 1,200 pupils, both male and female, aged from 11 to 18. The new school will be on the site of St Clement Danes for its first year before moving to a permanent site at the bottom of Baldwins Lane, in Croxley Green.

Current St Clement Danes head teacher Josephine Valentine will become executive head teacher, overseeing both schools.

She said: “The interview panel was unanimous in its decision to appoint him to the post and all of us were impressed with his knowledge, thoughtful reflections, insight and commitment to the school.

“I am sure that he will provide outstanding leadership for Croxley Danes School at this exciting stage in its development and warmly congratulate him on his appointment.”