The new headteacher at Pilgrims Cross CE Primary School in Andover has confessed that when he visited the school to offer leadership support last summer, he was won over by the pupils and staff.

Jim Cascarini joined the school on the Picket Twenty Estate this term and said: “It's a wonderful community, full of eager, caring pupils and supportive parents & carers. The school got under my skin, so the opportunity to apply for the Headship was too good to miss!”

Mr Cascarini has been teaching in schools across Hampshire for nearly 20 years, including a period as Deputy Head at Wherwell Primary, on the outskirts of Andover.

He explained: “As a class teacher, I have taught classes from Early Years all the way up to Year 6. I love the depth of conversation, exploration of learning and relationships that you can have with children in Year 6, but my favourite end of primary is Key Stage 1- especially the Early Years!”

After a headship at Braishfield Primary, near Romsey, for the last three years, Mr Cascarini said he was ready for the next challenge: “I am excited about the future for the school, working with a committed and passionate staff who want the best for all pupils.”

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The headteacher added: “Being a Church of England School, there is a distinctiveness about the way we view our children. We want the best for them academically but also recognise that our pupils are spiritual beings and want them to develop into well-rounded children of character.”

Mr Cascarini said this term he was finding his way around the school: "I am enjoying getting to know the names and faces of all our pupils, parents and carers and the wider Picket Twenty community.”