Prince’s Mead School has appointed its first male deputy head.

Alex Greenaway joined the co-educational preparatory school this term from Churcher’s College, where he was part of the senior management team.

“I have been looking for a deputy headship and Prince’s Mead excited me as a school,” he said.

“Obviously the academic side is key, but extra-curricular activities are also very important and here there's a broad range. “The art, drama, music and sporting opportunities allow children to shine in their chosen discipline.”

Mr Greenaway will be responsible for much of the day to day running of the School, allowing headmistress Penelope Kirk to concentrate more on further developing the school which.

Under her tenure, has become a major player in Hampshire private education.

However passionate mathematician Mr Greenaway, 42, will teach senior maths, coach boys’ sport and is keen to become involved in drama productions at the school, which caters for 270 pupils aged between four and 11.

Plans are also already afoot for him to oversee the installation of an outdoor classroom, set to be built in the substantial grounds at the former Kings Worthy mansion, where Prince’s Mead is based.

After this his next project is to introduce a team-building course in the woodland, where the children can climb into the trees on ropes and face a string of large wooden challenges.

“I’m looking to develop the challenge and leadership education at the school by utilising the amazing school grounds,” he said.

“I find it helps children blossom in confidence, as well as learning a whole range of necessary skills.”

Over the past decade Prince’s Mead has changed from being predominantly a girls’ school, to one which is fully co-educational.

“Boys have strengths and girls have strengths; they work well together to create a harmonious and exciting learning experience,” added Mr Greenaway.