The new headteacher for Hampton High has said the “huge strides” made in exam results will act as springboard to turn it into an Outstanding school.

Rebecca Poole, a former Deputy at nearby high-achieving Teddington School, replaceed outgoing headteacher Mair Hughes last September.

Her appointment comes after the school achieved a 66 per cent Grade 4 +, the A*- C equivalent in 2016, in Maths and English, a 20 per cent improvement on last year.

Ms Poole has promised to be “relentless” in her approach.

She said: “Ms Hughes and her very talented team have made huge strides since the school began working with The Richmond West Schools Trust, most noticeably in this year’s exam results.

“We must continue that good work by instilling a very strong work ethic in our pupils, a pride in their school and above all an academic rigour.

“Results will continue to improve at this school.

“As a deputy headteacher, I have helped turn two underperforming London schools into Good and Outstanding. I will do the same here.

“As the headteacher of this school, I will be relentless in my approach to improving outcomes for all students.

“The parents and children who have done so much to support this school deserve nothing less.”

Ms Poole said support from parents and a “very talented and committed group of teachers” means the school is “uniquely poised” to make rapid improvements.

She said: “Hampton High is in a very unique situation.

“We have a hugely supportive core of parents who are determined to help the school.

“Encouraging parents set the tone at a school and this in turn has a very positive impact on the children.

“With this type of support and commitment there are no limits to what a school can achieve.”

The Richmond West Schools Trust, CEO, John Wilkinson said: “We are delighted RWST’s partnership with Hampton High combined with the hard work and dedication of Mair Hughes and her team has produced a huge improvement in GCSE results.

“We are fortunate to have appointed a new headteacher of Rebecca’s calibre who has an impressive track record of rapidly improving schools.

“Hampton High is now well placed to meet the RWST stated aim of having all schools rated Good or Outstanding by 2019.”