A school has announced the appointment of its new principal.

Paul Bambrough is the new principal of Purcell School in Aldenham Road, Bushey, and he will begin his new role on September 1.

Mr Bambrough is currently vice-principal at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where he also teaches within the department of vocal and operatic studies as well as on undergraduate programmes as well as contributing to undergraduate programmes in pedagogy , the postgraduate lecture recital module, and orchestral conducting..

Described by a former secretary of state for education as “one of the most inspiring teachers,” Mr Bambrough has gained a national reputation for his work in state music education. Whilst director of music at The Sixth Form College Farnborough, he oversaw the creation of the largest A Level music department in the country comprising some 500 students.

As a tenor, Paul has performed at most of the UK’s foremost concert halls and cathedrals. He is a harpsichordist, organist and pianist and has worked as a repetiteur with some of the world’s finest singers. Away from music he enjoys the countryside, architecture and says he enjoys keeping fit.

Following his appointment, Mr Purcell said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining The Purcell School as its new principal.

“I have already been deeply impressed by its warm and friendly atmosphere, the talent and commitment of its students, the dedication and obvious expertise of its staff and the scale of its ambition.

“It is a school with a distinguished history and I am honoured to have been invited to lead it into an equally distinguished and exciting future.’

The Purcell School is Britain’s oldest specialist music school.