The new headmaster of Pocklington School paid tribute to the staff at his first commemoration and speech day in the Guy Willatt Sports Hall.

Nicholas Clements said the deep commitment of the teaching staff to the pupils was one of the key features of Pocklington's success.

"The varied skills they bring contribute both to life in the classroom and in the many activities on offer outside classes."

He said another pillar of the school was the dedication of the non-teaching staff.

"Walking around the school, what emerges is that people here care for and are prepared to work for the place," he said.

Mr Clements revealed that the school was currently examining different models for its sixth form curriculum to provide for new choice options and new subjects as well as the more traditional courses.

More varied options were also being looked at for the GCSE syllabus.

He was hoping it would be possible to include space in the timetable so pupils could concentrate more thoroughly on what they chose to do.

The guest speaker was Peter Hennessy, professor of contemporary history at Queen Mary and Westfield College, London.

The day began with a service of commemoration of benefactors in the Pocklington Parish Church before the school opened its doors for a range of exhibitions and displays.