New fresh-faced head, 27, hosts welcome week for pupils

Nick Read, the new head of Gaddesden Row Primary School, with some of his pupils

Taking up the helm at Gaddesden Row School means at just 27, Nick Read is one of the youngest heateachers in the county – but it’s not something he had planned.

“I always wanted to be a deputy head but I couldn’t resist the temptation of being a head at Gaddesden Row,” he said.

“I was really attracted by the village and family feel of the school.”

After qualifying at 21, Mr Read cut his teeth at Fair Field Junior School in upmarket Radlett where he became deputy head and later acting headteacher for two terms.

During his six years at the school, where there were 240 pupils to look after, the Ofsted rating improved from ‘satisfactory’ to ‘outstanding’.

At Gaddesden Row there are just 42 pupils but Mr Read hopes to boost that number by promoting the school to the community. On Friday he hosted an open afternoon.

The school is currently rated ‘good’ by Ofsted and the ambitious head has his sights set on ‘outstanding’ with the help of his team, who he described as ‘brilliant’ and ‘very supportive’.

Last week’s Welcome Week at the school included trips, activities and visitors. Among them was judo paralympic silver medallist Ian Rose.

As part of the programme of activities, children enjoyed a trip to Phasels Wood Activity Centre where they enjoyed abseiling, archery, team challenges and potholing.

A non-uniform day saw youngsters dress as someone who inspires them, and there was also a drumming workshop.