THE new headteacher of Upper Wharfedale School, Threshfield, knows he has a hard task ahead of him - following in the footsteps of the late and much respected Roger Kennedy.

But Phil Bennington, who is currently deputy head of Skipton Girls' High School, says he is excited by his new post, which he will take up in January.

Mr Kennedy died last month, and was one of the longest serving secondary headteachers in Craven. Under him Upper Wharfedale School earned an enviable reputation and he was fiercely loyal to his pupils.

"Roger was a very charismatic person and will certainly be a difficult act to follow, but I am looking forward to the task and becoming part of the school," Mr Bennington told the Herald.

He added that he had enjoyed his 11 years at the girls' high school, five of which were in the capacity as deputy, but saw the opportunity at Upper Wharfedale as the perfect way to further his career.

Currently a maths and science teacher, Mr Bennington, 47, says he does not know whether his new post will allow him to keep on teaching, but if it does he sees that as an added bonus.

"I became a teacher because I enjoy teaching and would prefer it if I could continue while head - that is often the case for smaller schools, but I will have to wait and see.

"However, what I am looking forward to above all is the chance to work in an excellent school which has a caring ethos.

"We see many pupils coming to Skipton Girls' High School from Upper Wharfedale to complete their A-levels and they have all been excellent students."

He said he didn't envisage any great differences teaching at a mixed school as opposed to an all girls' school, other than the addition of male orientated sports such as rugby, cricket and football.

Mr Bennington praised all the schools in the area which he said should be proud of the strong relationship they had with one another.

"That is what is best about this area," he said. "All the schools are excellent and each has a strong educational character."

He said moving to a smaller school for him was not a problem even though it did not have a sixth form.

He explained: "I like small schools because they can provide more individual work which is an advantage to the pupil.

"I don't think Upper Wharfedale is big enough to have a sixth form although it may be possible to do some post 16 lessons in the future."

He said that one of his aims for the school in the future was to raise its profile.

"Roger kept its profile fairly low and didn't shout about its achievements.But I think schools should. Upper Wharfedale has a lot to shout about and be proud of."

Steve Oxby, chairman of the governors, said they were delighted with the school's new appointment.

"He was a clear winner from a strong field of candidates and we are looking forward to the future under his leadership at this successful and happy school."

Acting head Robert Stead will continue to take charge of the school until January.