PERINS School in Alresford has started the school year with a new headteacher.

Steve Jones has joined the secondary school from Christ the King College on the Isle of Wight, where he was vice principal.

Mr Jones said: “I will ensure that every single young person within my care will be safe, happy and will succeed regardless of ability. I believe that every person within Perins has the right to be safe, the right to be respected and the right to learn.”

He added: “I am determined to work with every member of the Perins community including students, parents, staff and governors to ensure that every student will gain the best education that we can possibly offer.”

Sue Pakenham-Walsh, chairman of governors, said: “During the interview process Mr Jones was the unanimous choice of the governors in the face of strong competition. We are sure that Mr Jones will be a dynamic and inspirational leader for Perins, who will ensure every student enjoys the very best education we can provide.”

There are other developments underway at Perins.

The Main Hall extension and refurbishment is currently underway and expected to be completed by November.

School business manager, Clive Surry said: “Perins is almost at capacity and with a likely continuing increase over the next couple of years space is at a premium. The extension will allow us to provide better facilities inside and outside of the Main Hall helping to raise school standards.”

The improvements to the Main Hall, along with other major developments across site including the Maths block built in 2014 and refurbishment of the English block, is part of master plan to improve school facilities to ensure that students can learn and grown in all abilities.