The deputy head of a secondary school has described it as a "great privilege" to be appointed as the new headteacher of Highams Park School.

Phil Grundy has said taking over from the departing head Steve Riches will be "a hard act to follow" when he fully takes up the new role at the Handsworth Avenue school.

Mr Riches announced back in April he was to stand down this year after some twenty years at the school and 35 years in education.

The announcement was made this week following a "rigorous" selection process that ended on Monday (July 13) with the board of governors "whole-heartedly" supporting Mr Grundy for the role.

Before working at Highams Park School, Mr Grundy worked as a deputy head at schools in Enfield and Newham.

The father-of-three was a former PE teacher and still remains active in a variety of sports.

Mr Grundy, said: "It is a great privilege to have been given the opportunity to lead such an outstanding school with such excellent staff.

"Highams Park enjoys a hard earned reputation for the best in education and I look forward to our keeping up that reputation as we continue to face new challenges and change.

"As I begin my new role, I do so with a feeling of great excitement and anticipation, looking forward to the opportunity to work further with pupils/students, staff and parents alike.

He paid tribute to his predecessor, adding: "Mr Riches will be a hard act to follow", he said, "but his example and what he has stood for will continue to be a model for the school for many years to come."

Highams Park School is ranked among the top 90 schools in England for year-on-year improvements in the percentage of pupils achieving five or more A* to C GCSE grades, including English and maths.

Mr Riches welcomed the new head and said he is sure Mr Grundy will "prove to be an outstanding principal to many years to come".

A start date is yet to be confirmed.