The new headteacher at Denmead School in Hampton said he has been warmly welcomed by teachers and pupils alike.

Tim Smith, 46, joins from the Hall School in Hampstead this term following the retirement of Michael McKaughn, who worked at Denmead for 17 years alongside his wife, Gill.

Mr Smith, who moved to the UK from New Zealand in 1992, has worked in education his entire career, and said he was excited about continuing the school’s success.

He said: "The hard work and dedication from the teaching staff here has played a huge part in making this school so successful, and I look forward to having professional conversations with the teachers about what they think the academic challenges should be."

Mr Smith originally trained as a French teacher, and has been involved for a number of years with educational charity Planting Promise, which helps hundreds of young people in Africa gain an education for free.

He said it was his great pleasure to take leadership of a school in such great shape, and hopes to continue the good work of his predecessor, who was able to offer him a few words of wisdom.

Mr Smith said: "We have spoken at length and had a very carefully planned handover. What was very assuring to me right from the off was that Mr McKaughn’s views and my own regarding education are very much aligned.

"The piece of advice he gave to me was to listen to the people around me, so I will be trying very hard to do just that."