FATHERHOOD and a new headship at The Petersfield School have combined to make it an exciting and challenging time for Mark Marande.

And the 34-year-old, whose son William was only born two months ago, is relishing both roles.

Into his second week as headteacher, he has been bowled over by the welcome he has received. And he has been enormously impressed with the confident and articulate pupils he has encountered so far.

Mark, who comes from Priory School in Southsea where he was deputy headteacher, is making it his mission to meet all staff and students, holding introductory assemblies, and to engage with parents.

He has a two-fold vision for the school – “unrivalled student experience” coupled with “exceptional student outcomes.”

At assemblies he has been asking for a show of hands on how many pupils take extra curriculum activities – which range from horse riding to scuba diving – and he has been gratified to find it is around 85 per cent.

Before he started in the post, he was invited to watch pupils in the annual Rock Challenge in Portsmouth, and was again, very impressed by the breadth of creative talent at the school.

“I was told very early on that it was a school with a heart and I can fully endorse that,” he said.

Although the school did very well academically, there would be no complacency.

“I am absolutely passionate about all students having the best possible life chances and achieving at the highest levels,” he said.

There were challenges ahead, including the school’s part in forming a new sixth form with the Bohunt Educational Trust.

“It’s going to be a very busy year,” said Mark, whose wife, Jo, is a lawyer. “Fatherhood has been a wonderful experience, and the opportunity of a headship at a school like The Petersfield School was such a fantastic opportunity, not to be missed.

“It is a big job, I am aware of that, but I have a first rate team around me.”