The new head of a Stevenage school praised students, staff and the former headteacher on his first day at work. Edward Gaynor has taken over from the long-serving Linda Devlin at Heathcote School. Mr Gaynor, who lives in Harpenden with his wife and two of

The new head of a Stevenage school praised students, staff and the former headteacher on his first day at work.

Edward Gaynor has taken over from the long-serving Linda Devlin at Heathcote School.

Mr Gaynor, who lives in Harpenden with his wife and two of his three daughters, joins Heathcote after teaching at five other comprehensive schools in Beds, Essex and London.

"I am delighted to be joining Heathcote and am fortunate to be taking up the post of headteacher at a time when the national agenda for education is being set out for the next decade," he said.

"Teaching is a wonderful job. Successful teachers not only recognise talent but help to create it. In my view, there can be no finer cause than to work to broaden the life chances of our young people."

Mr Gaynor added: "Heathcote rightly prides itself on being a friendly and inclusive school committed to traditional values. The school has a number of clear strengths, its talented students, a dedicated and hard working staff, and a governing body who are very supportive of the school.

"I would like to pay tribute to the work done by my predecessor, Linda Devlin, who recently ensured that the school gained its status as a specialist training engineering college and set up an exciting building and refurbishment programme so the school now has a new library and sixth form area.

"Heathcote's vision as an engineering college is to raise achievement in the specialist subjects of engineering, maths, science, technology and ICT.

"I know from my own experience working in a sports college that specialist status is also about driving up standards across the whole curriculum.

"I am looking forward to continuing the liaison between the Stevenage schools, particularly with our immediate neighbour, Barnwell, as such collaboration benefits all our schools and the young people of the town.