A former pupil has gone back to his old school - as headteacher!

Craig Burns, 39, attended St David’s High School in Saltney as a pupil until 1995 and returned in September this year to take over as head.

Craig grew up in Saltney Ferry and attended Saltney Ferry CP School before moving on to St David’s to complete his GCSEs and A Levels in English, religious studies and business studies.

He moved to Gloucestershire in 1995 to read for a degree in English and religious studies, a PGCE in secondary education as well as a Master’s degree in educational leadership.

He has a wealth of experience, including school inspector training, and has taught in five different comprehensive schools.

Craig is married to Angela and has three children, two of whom attend a primary school in Flintshire.

Former pupil at St. Davids High School in Saltney Craig Burns has returned to the school as the new headteacher

He is proud to be the fifth headteacher of St David’s High School: “It is a real privilege to be the school’s new headteacher. I am over the moon to be returning to the school and returning home to be closer to family.”

More than 20 members of Craig’s family have attended the school since it opened in 1957, one being his younger brother who is now the dealer principal at Evans Halshaw in Bretton.

His plans for the future include ‘raising standards across the board’. He wants to see students engaging more independently in their learning and has plans to introduce a new student leadership model, including a new rewards system, encouraging all young people to get involved and contribute positively to their local community.

In his introductory meeting to staff and his assemblies with students, the new head outlined how important it is to ‘be the best we can be, everyday’.

“I am dedicated to improving the life chances of all young people and want everyone to have high aspirations for themselves and the community. There is a lot to do but, by working in partnership, we will work towards our goal of becoming an outstanding, first choice school for all.”