The new headteacher of the oldest school in Comet country will take up his position next week with a promise to achieve outstanding exam results.

Mark Lewis of Letchworth GC will take up the post at The Thomas Alleyne School, Stevenage when pupils return for the summer term on Wednesday. He said he wanted to raise standards at the former boys’ grammar school founded in 1558.

“Ofsted has confirmed that the school already provides good advice and guidance for learners,” he said. “We will retain this excellent care and support, and develop to ensure that we achieve outstanding examination results and educational outcomes for all students.”

The former Highfield School pupil read History at Keble College, Oxford before working in comprehensive schools. He leaves his post as deputy head at Marshland High School in Norfolk to come to Stevenage.

A statement from the school governors said: “He is committed to working in comprehensive schools and believes that every learner should achieve his or her maximum potential, just as he did himself.

“Governors were unanimous that Mr Lewis was the strongest candidate from the 26 applicants to become headteacher at the school, which an Ofsted inspector described last autumn as being ‘ready for lift-off’.”

Mr Lewis was also the favoured candidate of the school council and parents and learners who saw him deliver a presentation and answer question session.

Richard Stephens, chairman of governors, said he was “an enthusiastic new headteacher with a proven track record of delivering success at other schools” and was already having an effect.

Since we appointed him he has been into school several times to get to know staff and learners, and he is already beginning to have an impact.”

Outgoing head Jonathan Block, who had been at Thomas Alleyne for eight years said he will miss the school and the people there, but added: “I leave it in very capable hands and I know that there are great achievements on the horizon.”