THE NEW leader of a top school in Woodford Green has been selected.

Simon Marshall has been appointed head of Bancroft’s School independent school in the High Road.

Currently headmaster of The English College in Prague Mr Marshall will move back to the UK for the post with his wife, next year.

The experienced teacher was previously Deputy Head (Academic) at University College School, London (2007-2013) and Head of English at King’s College School, Wimbledon (2001-2007).

He will replace the outgoing Head Mrs Mary Ireland, who is retiring after eight years.

“I am honoured and delighted to have been appointed to lead such a flourishing and successful school,” Mr Marshall said.

“When visiting the School I was struck by the friendly and purposeful atmosphere and by the great affection felt for Bancroft’s by everyone I met.

“I very much look forward to joining the Bancroft’s community next year and working with pupils, staff and parents to build on the superb legacy of Mary Ireland.”

Mr Marshall, a keen mountaineer and runner, will begin the role in September 2016.

Educated at Merchant Taylors’ School, Crosby, Mr Marshall graduated in Classics in 1988 from Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge where he was a Choral Exhibitioner.

He also gained his Postgraduate Certificate in General Education from Cambridge.

He subsequently graduated in 1995 in English Language and Literature from Trinity College, Oxford and took an M.Phil there in Eighteenth Century Studies in 1997.

Professor Philip Ogden, Chairman of Bancroft’s Governors, said that the Governing Body was “delighted” with Simon Marshall's appointment.

He said: “Mr Marshall's experience equips him ideally for sustaining Bancroft's excellence across a broad front and leading the school during the next stages of its development.”