New headteacher of Gislingham CE Primary School near Diss and Stowmarket is using his background in outdoor education to create for experiences for pupils

The new headteacher of an ‘outstanding’ village primary school says he has ‘big shoes to fill’.

Richard Benstock, 45, officially started at Gislingham CE Primary School, near Diss and Stowmarket, in September, taking over from his predecessor Julie Welham.

Mr Benstock, who lives in Ipswich, was most recently head of Powers Hall Academy in Witham, Essex. He has joined a school that was rated ‘outstanding’ at its last Ofsted inspection, in 2012, and is already ‘very strong’, he said.

“Clearly she [Julie Welham] has done a fantastic job,” he said. “The school is in a great shape because of the leadership she’s provided. Big shoes to fill.”

There is a high quality of education, ‘incredible’ results in English and maths, strong support and care for the children and the behaviour of pupils ‘is exemplary’, he said.

Speaking of what has particularly impressed him, he said 'the children' - how well they listen, their politeness, how articulate they are and their 'fantastic' attitude to learning.

He added: "There's a strong established staff group here and their key focus - we are all focused on results, but it's more than just results - it's about the children having a broad and balanced curriculum and holistically the children develop well, not just in their education but personal development as well."

Coming into the school Mr Benstock, who has a background in outdoor learning and creative learning, said he wanted to bring in more of the vocational areas - design technology, music, drama - which he says are 'the next steps' for the school in terms of creating a broad and balanced curriculum.

Also speaking of his aims, he said: "It's trying to make sure the children have more experiences so we are looking at community links.We have just started a link with Thornham Walks and with my background in outdoor learning and education one of my big aims is to get the children outside of the four walls of the classroom as much as possible."

He added: "I suppose the main aim is the children understand their own learning as opposed to just what they are being asked to do and they become more independent in their own learning."

Developing leadership qualities among staff and pupils is another focus, he said, and improving communication with parents.

The school, which is part of the Tilian Partnership, has 150 children on the roll.