Change is on the curriculum at Gosford Hill School in Kidlington later this year as a new head prepares to take charge.

David Jones, the current head who has been at the helm for five-and-a-half years, is moving to Bognor Regis Community College in Sussex and will be replaced in September by Dr Stephen Bizley, currently deputy head at King's Heath College in Birmingham.

Mr Jones said: "I'm really excited by the prospect of a new challenge.

"I've had a fantastic five-and-a-half years here.

"I'm very pleased with the work I've done and I have always had a very strong and supportive team of staff."

He lists the highlights of his time at Gosford Hill as seeing the school achieve specialist status in maths and computing and raising students' achievement.

The GCSE success of pupils at the school from 2003 to 2006 led to them being voted into the country's 100 Most Improved Schools Club by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.

Their success was heralded at a gala dinner at The Russell Hotel, London, earlier in the year, where Mr Jones received a certificate.

This followed a letter of commendation from Schools Minister Jim Knight. He said: "It was great to have the hard work of the students and their teachers acknowledged like that and I am confident Dr Bizley will continue this good work."

The school has seen the percentage of pupils achieving five grade A* to C grow from 38 per cent in 2003 to 53 per cent in 2004 - and then up to 58 per cent in 2005 and 55 per cent in 2006.

Mr Jones said of his successor: "I think the governors have made a great choice and Dr Bizley is someone who is dedicated to the school.

"I'm delighted to be handing over to an experienced and gifted colleague who is passionate about learning and ambitious for the further development of the school."

Dr Bizley added: "I feel very excited about leading a school with such high expectations.

"My aim is to build on the outstanding work achieved by David and to ensure Gosford Hill remains a centre of excellence and at the heart of the community."