THE new headteacher of St Birinus School in Didcot has pledged to work hard with staff and pupils to achieve an outstanding Ofsted rating.

John Marston, who has been acting headteacher following the departure of Alwyn Richards, was appointed as the new head last week.

The father-of-three said: “We aspire to be outstanding and we will work with staff and pupils to achieve that.”

Before being appointed acting headteacher in September Mr Marston was deputy headteacher for four years.

The 1,000-pupil boys’ school in Mereland Road is currently rated good by Ofsted but Mr Marston said everyone would work to achieve an outstanding rating.

Staff at St Birinus work closely with teachers at Didcot Girls’ School, which achieved an outstanding rating last month and last year the two schools joined forces in a multi-academy trust.

Mr Marston, 41, who was appointed following interviews with governors and a student panel, added: “I am delighted to achieve this position. I believe the benefit of knowing the school makes me a strong person for the role.

“St Birinus has educated generations of young men and I know the importance of St Birinus for the town.

“It’s the school’s 80th anniversary in the autumn and there will be lots of celebrations, including former students coming back.

“I am committed to ensuring we provide a first-class education with a broad and balanced curriculum for all our students.”

Debi Ripley, from Didcot, mother of headboy Ollie Ripley, 17, said: “I am very pleased Mr Marston has been appointed. Ollie has thoroughly enjoyed his time at St Birinus and relished the opportunities given to him.”

Mr Marston said he would strive for St Birinus to be the “very best school we can” but said he did not know when the next Ofsted inspection would take place.

He added: “We were rated good in 2012 and the timings of inspections can be variable – it could be up to five years before a further inspection.”

Chairman of governors Stephen White said Mr Marston cared passionately about the school and was determined to ensure an excellent standard of education for all students.

He added: “I am confident that under John’s leadership, working alongside Rachael Warwick, headteacher of Didcot Girls’ School and executive headteacher of the Didcot Academy of Schools, the school will move from strength to strength.

“This is an exciting time for the school.”

St Birinus and Didcot Girls’ School formed a multi-academy trust last year, which could lead to more co-educational lessons at the two single-sex schools.