THE new headteacher at Oxford’s Cherwell School has pledged to bring stability after his predecessor moved to London after just a year in the job.

Paul James – who has been acting headteacher since Neal McGowan’s sudden departure earlier this year – has been appointed to the position permanently.

He said that despite the upheaval, the school – which is rated outstanding by Ofsted – had continued to serve its pupils well.

Mr James, 37, said: “In the face of instability the school has shown its resilience and the strength of the people within it, both students and staff.

“We’re obviously all pleased that we can now move forward with both stability and vision in terms of school leadership and that’s the key to my role.”

He added that the school, which has 1,800 pupils, now had the potential to be “truly exceptional”.

The married father-of-two joined the school as deputy head in January last year, after holding the same role at the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe.

In August last year, Mr McGowan, 46, moved to the Marston Ferry Road school from Scotland, saying he planned to stay as head for at least five years.

But just eight months later, he accepted a post to lead the new St John Bosco School in Wandsworth, London, admitting his decision would disappoint staff, parents and pupils.

Mr James said Cherwell would continue to improve under his leadership, even though it is already Oxford’s only secondary school to have achieved Ofsted’s top rating.

He said his priorities included improving the culture of learning in the sixth form and developing teaching for special needs pupils.

He added: “The Cherwell is a great school, because of the people in the school community – students, staff, parents, carers, and governors.

“It’s the outstanding qualities of these people that will enable to school to have an even more successful future.”

He said he had attended Neighbourhood Action Groups meetings in North Oxford to become involved in the wider community.

Mr James added: “The behaviour in the school is very good, and we will always work to ensure this is the case. It’s crucial in helping students do as well as they can.

“I have the highest expectations of students, and we will always aim to provide an environment in which they can make the most of opportunities available to them.

The chairman of the school’s governors, Kirsten Robinson, said: “We’re delighted to have appointed Mr James from a strong field of candidates.

“Having been both a brilliant deputy headteacher and acting headteacher, we’re confident he will be an excellent leader to take the school forward through challenging times ahead.”