A TIDWORTH secondary school has welcomed a new executive head this academic year with a vision of delivering an outstanding and holistic experience to all students.

Abrilli Phillip took over the role of executive head of The Wellington College Academy Trust which involves the role of principal of The Wellington Academy's secondary school following the departure of former principal Dr Mike Milner.

Ms Phillip joined the academy two and a half years ago and in that time has fulfilled the roles of senior vice principal, head of the secondary academy and acting head of the primary school.

On taking over the headship, Ms Phillip said: "I was excited and petrified to take over as the executive head of The Wellington College Academy Trust, with funding cuts and ever increasing accountability measures it is a tough gig being a head in 2017."

Reflecting on the academic year so far, she continued: "My highlights however so far have been welcoming our Year 7s in their new uniform which symbolises our strong link with Wellington College.

"The community week too was a huge success and a great opportunity to build strong relationships between students and adults and the announcement of the new head girl and boy was a great way to role model excellence and student leadership."

Following the A Level results announced in August 70 per cent of the academy's sixth form have gone to university, the highest number on the school's records, with 20 per cent going to the best universities.

One hundred per cent of the students went onto their desired route after sixth form.

Talking about the future of the school, Ms Phillip added: "There is a lot of work still to be done to deliver an outstanding and holistic educational experience and really give our young people limitless opportunities to achieve their limitless aspirations. I feel incredibly lucky however to work with this amazing bunch of young people and extremely dedicated staff, who make me very proud."