ONE of North Somerset’s secondary schools welcomed a new headteacher at the start of the academic year.

Pete Binding (right) took over the reigns at Worle Community School in September.

So, the Mercury thought it would take the opportunity to see how the father-of-two is getting on in his new role and explore what hopes and plans he has for the school in the coming years.

Our chief reporter Charlotte Richardson put these questions to Mr Binding:

When did you first join Worle Community School and what made you choose it?

“I joined in 1996. I was head of maths at a school in Stockport but was unable to sell my house in Taunton and, after commuting for three years, decided to seek a similar job closer to home.”

Where do you live now? Do you have any children?

“I lived in and around Taunton for many years and currently am just 20 minutes away as I have moved to North Petherton. I am married with two children. My daughter Emily has just started at Bangor University studying clinical psychology and my son Lawrence is in Year 10 and has started his GCSE courses.”

What were you like as a student at school?

“I was a mad keen sportsman and would play any sport available - county rugby, football and cricket. I was very good at maths and enjoyed geography and geology. I had to work at English but passed both English language and literature.”

What are your plans for Worle Community School on social, academic and practical levels? What lies ahead for the school?

“I want Worle Community School to continue to be recognised for its excellent work with the arts and its partner schools in the community, where learning is seen to be the key to success for the students and the staff and pupils are proud to be seen as members of the school. I want the students to take on responsibility and to be socially responsible for their actions and parents to think of the school as a safe place for their children to attend and where they are offered the best chance to make the most of their abilities.”

What difficulties could the school face in light of recent national, financial problems?

“There are uncertain times ahead due to budgetary constraints but the school has always been run on a sound financial footing and I am sure this will continue providing we continue to plan carefully. At the moment there is not much guidance from the DfE as we are waiting for the white paper later this year.”

What do you feel you can do for the school?

“I feel that I can provide the direction the school needs to take in the next few years to ensure that it stays at the forefront of good practice.”