DEPUTY head Kelvin Geary has become one of the youngest heads in Hampshire, after being confirmed as the head teacher of Romsey's Cupernham Junior School.

Mr Geary, 32, has moved up from the role of acting head to succeed David Musty, who left in December after 11 years at the helm of the 276-pupil school, which has been ranked one of the best in Hampshire in recent years.

In 2005, it was placed in the top three primary schools in the county - out of a total of 433 - and was one of the top 100 nationally for value added measures, which earned it letters of commendation from government ministers and senior county officials. And in announcing Mr Geary's appointment, Cupernham's chair of governors, David Willey, commented: "As deputy head,

Kelvin has had a critical role in maintaining Cupernham's highly effective and outstanding status. "This and his wider experience gave us confidence that Kelvin was the right choice to lead the school in the future."

He said the vacancy "attracted a very strong field of candidates, which reflects well on the school", but commented: "Kelvin's appointment has been very popular with parents, staff and children.

"At a time of change for primary education in Romsey, we can look forward with confidence to continuing outstanding leadership and high standards at Cupernham Junior School."

Mr Geary and his wife have two children and live at Hythe. Before moving to Cupernham in September, 2003, he taught at Langdown Junior School, at Hythe, and Stoke Park Junior School, at Eastleigh.

He said: "I am thrilled that I have been given the opportunity to lead the school in the next stage of development. The school has an excellent staff that is willing to work hard to maintain recent success."

In addition to being given its 'top three' rating, Cupernham has been categorised by the Hampshire Education Authority as 'outstanding', having been classed as 'highly effective', the previous highest rating possible, for the past five years.