A DEPUTY headteacher from the Bohunt Educational Trust is to take over The Petersfield School (TPS).

TPS headteacher Nigel Poole is to take a more “consultative” role before the new head, Mark Marande, joins the school in Cranford Road.

Mr Marande is currently a deputy headteacher at the Priory School in Southsea, a member of the Bohunt Educational Trust (BET).

In a letter to parents chairman of the school governors Julie Butler said: “The Governing Body is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Mark Marande, as the next permanent principal of The Petersfield School.

“The selection process took place in December and he shone through as an outstanding candidate from a very distinguished shortlist.

“Governors are very much looking forward to working with Mark to secure the next phase of the academy’s development.”

Mr Marande takes over at the start of the summer term, with the whole replacement process taking just a few months.

And it also looks as though TPS will no longer be a stand-alone academy.

Mrs Butler said: “It’s customary for new headteachers to write to parents and introduce themselves and I know that Mr Marande will be keen to do so in due course.

“Mr Poole is moving into a more consultative role for the school to focus on our proposed move from a single academy into a multi-academy model with BET, and also to facilitate a smooth handover to Mr Marande.”

Until Mr Marande joins TPS after Easter, the daily life of the school will be managed by long serving associate principal, Alan McDougall.

Mrs Butler added: “I know parents will be anxious to know more about the proposed move to join the Bohunt Educational Trust.

“But nothing is finalised and the feedback many of you offered prior to Christmas is being taken into consideration while the school prepares its submission to the relevant authorities.

“Mr Poole remains very much part of the team. However, if parents have any queries, please contact Mr McDougall.”