A DEPUTY headteacher will make the step up to lead his school as he takes over “the best job in the world”.

Ashley Harrold has been selected to head up Blatchington Mill School in Hove after Janet Felkin stood down last month.

Ms Felkin has praised the appointment.

She said: “I gave the governing body plenty of notice for my retirement, allowing them to take their time in appointing a new headteacher.

“The interviews have taken place over the past two days, during which our students have been brilliant.

“The governors reached their conclusion this afternoon and have appointed Ashley Harrold, the current deputy headteacher here at Blatch, to take on the headship from September.

“I am delighted with the news and offer my hearty congratulations to Mr Harrold.

“He knows the school and will hit the ground running for September.

“I trust you'll join me in congratulating him and wishing him well for, what I believe to be, "the best job in the world”.

Ms Felkin will remain as headteacher for the remainder of the academic year after eight years at the helm of the Nevill Avenue site.

Mr Harrold took to Twitter after being officially unveiled as the chosen candidate.

He said: “Absolutely delighted that I will be taking over as headteacher at Blatchington Mill from September. Amazing school and community.”

Ms Felkin, who took over from Neil Hunter at Blatchington Mill in September 2007, is set to explore other roles in education in September.