A new headteacher has been permanently appointed at Backwell School after spending 18 months in an interim role.

Jon Nunes has worked at Backwell School for more than 25 years.

He filled in as interim headteacher 18 months ago, when Julian Baldwin retired after 15 years at Backwell.

Mr Nunes was the deputy head when Mr Baldwin led the school, and, as well as spending 20 years as a history teacher, he served as head of house and head of sixth form.

Mr Nunes said: “It is a huge responsibility and challenge to lead the wonderful, successful school that Backwell is.

“The fantastic support I have received from the whole community as interim headteacher means I am taking on the role on a permanent basis with great excitement and pride.”

The school’s governing body sought advice from education leaders in North Somerset and organised a rigorous interview process before deciding Mr Nunes should be appointed permanently.

In July, 82 per cent of year 11 pupils achieved grade 4 or above in English and maths, and 66 per cent achieved level 5 or better.

A-level students attained a 99.2 per cent pass rate this year, with every one of them achieving qualifications.

Jacci Ramplin, Backwell School’s chair of governors, said: “The governing body believe Mr Nunes has demonstrated the required qualities for the post.

“He has introduced strategies and initiatives which have led to improvements together with an excellent set of results this year, and has earned the respect of the whole governing body.

“He has a real knowledge of the school which is of tremendous benefit to us all.

“I am looking forward to continuing working with him for the benefit of the school and I am confident that, having made such an excellent appointment, the school will go from strength to strength.”

Backwell School has 1,300 students in years seven to 11, and 380 in the sixth form.

A school spokesman said Mr Nunes has received many congratulations from staff, parents and the wider Backwell community.

When Mr Baldwin retired last year, he told the Times: “He [Mr Nunes] completely understands Backwell. He will be a great successor.”