ALEX Reppold is a member of a rare species – the male primary school teacher. Indeed one in four primaries in England has no male registered teacher. But Alex has just taken charge of Pocklington Community Junior School and at the tender age of 28 he is Britain’s youngest head teacher.

We think this is great news. Male teachers can have a huge influence on pupils in their early years, offering a much-needed balance to help children grow up and socialise with both sexes.

Alex tells us it is his staff who are going to take the real role in achieving his stated goal of making the school ‘a beacon of excellence within the East Riding’.

But he is too modest. Good schools are led well and although he is yet to turn 30, the governors clearly feel he is the man to raise standards as called for by Ofsted in its 2013 inspection. It’s not surprising, when you discover that Alex has written a dissertation focusing on developing teachers’ ability to critically reflect on their work.

Ability, not age, has secured Alex his new role, but we can’t help thinking he will be seen as a role model for young teaching graduates. Let’s hope his appointment will inspire more of them to consider a position in primary schools.