Halwin Primary School has welcomed a black belt in education for its new headteacher - in the form of an ex British champion judo player.

John Smith is getting to grips with his latest tackling: taking over from retired headteacher Stephanie Haskins, who left last term after 21 years at the school.

Mr Smith, originally from Perranporth, began working in education more than 15 years ago in inner city schools in Coventry before returning to Cornwall.

In the past he has given training and support to several schools in the county to improve standards in literacy.

He said: “Having been in the school over the summer and working closely with all of the staff, I believe that I have come to a fantastic school that truly cares for every child in its care, it feels like a family where children are happy and their learning is moved forward.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to work with the very strong and committed staff at Halwin School.”

Mr Smith added that he was looking forward to building upon the work of Mrs Haskins and establishing the school as “an outstanding setting” that provided a “caring, nurturing environment, a highly engaging curriculum and setting the very highest expectations for pupils and staff.”

He hoped to work with parents, staff and the wider community to achieve this.

Mr Smith plans to bring his love of judo - which he continues to play outside of work - into school, by starting a judo club after half term.

He is married to Donna, also a teacher, and they have twin one-year-old boys Rory and Zachary.

Mr Smith has been welcomed “with the greatest of pleasure” by school governors, parents and children, with chair of the governors Loveday Jenkin saying: “He brings with him a wealth of experience in teaching, he is passionate about school improvement, and he is committed to moving our wonderful school forward.

“I am sure that he will prove to be a very capable successor to Stephanie, and he has already enthusiastically demonstrated his educational philosophies to the school community.”