JASON Clarke set himself a target of becoming a headteacher by the time he was 40 and with months to go he has achieved his goal.

Mr Clarke, 39, took over the reins of Bicester Community College, Queens Avenue, last month.

He has been getting to know the 1,200 pupils and 160 staff, although he admits he is not yet on first-name terms with everyone.

The father-of-four has promised “exciting times” for the secondary school.

Over the next year he hopes to improve life and the learning experience for pupils, he told the Oxford Mail.

On the agenda are changes to the way children learn, with more pupil-led activities, the introduction of extra-curricular activities, such as rock climbing, and even a summer school.

He hinted the community college may see a uniform change, but pupils and parents would be consulted first and any changes would be phased in.

Mr Clarke said: “It has been a roller coaster but fantastic.

“I have spent much of the time getting to meet the kids and into some lessons, and meeting lots of members of the local community.

“It’s exciting, I have a buzz at the moment. It’s exciting times for Bicester Community College and for me.

“Long term I want to see this school an outstanding school, a leading-edge school in the country.”

Mr Clarke has taken over from Cynthia Bartlett, who had been at the school for 13 years and headteacher for seven years.

He said: “We have all the components needed to be an outstanding school. I want to be part of making it an outstanding school, and the governors were good enough to give me that opportunity.

“I will be sitting down with my senior team to discuss how to move the school forward.

“Change needs to be done in consultation with the community and needs to be specific to the school.

“I’m here until the job is done and then I can enjoy the fruits of that labour.”

Exam results will also be under the microscope.

One change he hopes to introduce is a scheme where pupils and parents get more feedback about progress and if extra help is needed it can be identified early.

Mr Clarke said: “I’m firm but fair.

“I expect the best for our students and therefore I expect the best from them.”

Motorbike enthusiast Mr Clarke moved to Bicester Community College from Walton High, in Milton Keynes, where he was vice-principal looking after 1,550 youngsters.

He started in the profession in 1993 as a design technology teacher.