MEET Alex Reppold who could be Britain’s youngest head teacher after taking on the post, aged 28, while still pursuing his own education.

Alex Reppold, who was born and raised in York, took up his new post at Pocklington Community Junior School this week after being appointed in February.

Mr Reppold, who now lives in Malton, said the school had the capacity “to become a beacon of excellence within the East Riding”.

He previously taught at Malton Community Primary School, an enhanced mainstream school, which provides support for children with behavioural difficulties.

He is currently studying for a Masters in Education, and has written a dissertation focusing on developing teachers’ ability to critically reflect on their work.

Mr Reppold takes over from Carole Fulstow, who is moving on to Elloughton Primary school, also in the East Riding.

Although he is proud of reaching the position of head teacher at such a young age, Alex didn’t know he was believed to be the youngest in the country until someone told him.

“It is a bit strange to be judged by age. I am proud of it because it is an achievement but it seems surreal to hinge it on age. I just happened to have the right skills for what the school needed.”

Ofsted said in its 2013 inspection that Pocklington Community Junior School required improvement, and Mr Reppold is confident the school will get better.

“We absolutely know this school has the capacity to do so as it has some wonderful staff. It is the right time for the school to take itself forward. The staff we have are ones who are going to take a real role in this,” he said.

“Alongside academic development, schools play a vital part in laying the foundations of the values and attitudes the children will carry with them into adulthood.

“This isn’t about academic development. We will teach the national curriculum to the very highest standard – rather, this is about the topics we’ll cover, the assemblies we’ll have and the expectations we’ll stand by.”

Mr Reppold attended university in Hull where he studied Psychology and completed his PGCE.