One of the district’s most successful senior schools has welcomed a new head teacher.

Robert Pritchard has been appointed to the role at St Mary’s School in Menston.

Mr Pritchard was previously head of the Holy Family Catholic High School in Carlton, one of Goole’s best-performing schools according to key stage four results.

He takes over the role from Catherine McMahon, who has been acting head of St Mary’s since the departure of Mike Pyle, who was seconded to St Wilfrid’s Catholic High School near Pontefract in 2010.

Mr Pritchard said he was delighted to be appointed as head of an excellent school with a great tradition and high standards.

“I have been given a warm welcome and I am determined to continue the outstanding work,” he said.

“The staff and students at St Mary’s are a wonderful group of people who are determined to get the best results possible for every child.

“However what has also been obvious to me, and what is equally important to me, is the care that is given to the young people and the value given to the education of the whole person. This means the teaching of values as well as knowledge and understanding.”