A NEW headmaster with a passion for outdoor education has been appointed at the Grange Monmouth Preparatory School.

Neil Shaw has been appointed headteacher of the Grange and will take up the role in September 2016.

Currently headmaster of Westonbirt Prep School, Mr Shaw was previously deputy headmaster and then headmaster of Kingswood School in Solihull.

A school spokesperson said he would bring vast experience of school leadership, and has the profile and expertise to maintain and develop the very high educational standards that outgoing head Elaine Thomas has achieved at the Grange.

Mr Shaw is a geography graduate of the University of Exeter, and was awarded a Masters degree from the University of Nottingham.

He enjoys hill walking, cycling and camping and lists Lego as one of his interests.

Pupils were said to have been inspired and impressed by his Lego-themed assembly during the appointment process.

Mr Shaw said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the next head of the Grange.

"It is an honour and a privilege to be selected to lead a school of such calibre and I look forward to building on the fantastic legacy of Elaine Thomas.

"My wife and I are particularly thrilled to be joining the strong community of Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools and feel that in Monmouth we have found a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.”

The school spokesperson added: "We look forward to welcoming Mr Shaw, his wife Carolyn, and his two children to Monmouth."