Elliott's new head looks forward to a vibrant future

Elliott School's new headteacher Tony Willis has promised to build on the school's reputation as a beacon of innovative and exciting educational opportunity. Mr Willis is currently deputy head at Blatchington Mill School and Sixth Form College - a 1750-place specialist college for performing arts in Hove, Sussex. He starts at the high-performing Putney secondary in September where he succeeds Victor Burgess who retires at the end of this term after 20 years. Putney's newest headteacher started his career in 1977 teaching physical education and technology. He attended St Mark's and St John's College, Plymouth and Exeter University.

In 1992 he was voted Great Britain 'teacher of the year.'

After spending his early career in a variety of secondary schools and community colleges in Plymouth he moved to Sussex in 1996 to take up his present post.

He competed in four Paralympic Games between 1980 and 1996 and was men's team captain in Seoul '88. He won three gold, two silver and two bronze medals in the pentathalon, high jump and long jump. He still holds the world record for the pentathalon and has also represented Great Britain at volleyball.

Speaking of his new appointment he said: "It's a great time to be joining Elliott. I aim to build on the outstanding successes already achieved and strengthen the school's place at the heart of its community. Above all I want Elliott to be recognised for the characteristics and qualities it helps develop in its students."

He added that he was thrilled at the appointment and very excited about the future.

The council's cabinet member for education Malcolm Grimston said the new head would be a huge asset : "Tony Willis is a real catch. We are delighted to have attracted such a dynamic and inspirational leader. Elliott has prospered enormously in recent years. The future has never looked more promising"

Details of Elliott School.