AN EXCITING future lies ahead for the new headteacher of Middlewich High School as its first year of specialist status begins and its centenary approaches.

And Martin Forster, who has wanted to be a teacher for most of his life, is looking forward to meeting different challenges as the head of a specialist school in maths, computing and science.

The 50-year-old, from Davenham, is undertaking his first headship role this year, almost three decades after he first started teaching.

The father of two teenage daughters says he decided 'very early on in life' that he wanted to become a teacher.

He said: "When I was at school I was always really determined to become a teacher. I liked working with youngsters and decided at the age of 13 that I would enjoy working with teenagers. Teaching was the obvious choice for a career."

After leaving school Mr Forster studied politics at Hull University before completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Durham University.

And his career choice has not disappointed the avid Manchester United fan, whose last position was as deputy head at Manor High School in Crosby.

He said: "I think working with teenagers is always exciting. To see them achieve success, not just at GCSE level, is the greatest experience."

Mr Forster, a business studies and IT teacher, is delighted to be taking the helm at Middlewich High School at such an exciting time.

He said: "As a specialist school in maths and computing and science since September 1 this year, I want the school to become a centre of excellence.

"It is our aim to use specialist status to improve the facilities for our pupils and the community and to raise standards of achievement of our pupils even higher."

He added: "We are funded for four years and then have to reapply. Judgement is based on what progress we have made against our plan so our challenge now is to deliver on that.

"It enables us to improve our focus and helps drive standards even higher. There's no complacency here - people know we're a good school but we want it to be even better."

Mr Forster was instantly impressed by the school when he came for his interview in April and found it very welcoming and friendly.

He said: "Everyone involved with Middlewich High - pupils, staff and governors - has been very welcoming and the pupils are clearly very proud of their school.

"I have been very impressed by the commitment and professionalism of the staff and their willingness to take on new ideas.

"Next year the school is 100 years old and I want to use this celebration as a catalyst to continue our efforts to make Middlewich High School a school where every parent in the area wants to send their child - where achievement for all is our goal."