THE end of term will signal the start of a new life for Bradon Forest School deputy headteacher Martin Winward.

The 42-year-old, who joined the school in 2005, will be moving more than 8,000 miles away to the Falkland Islands at the end of the month, after being appointed headteacher at Falkland Islands Community School.

His move comes just a few months after former Bradon Forest headteacher, Len Spiers, retired following 12 years at the school.

Mr Winward, who started teaching in 2001, said: “It is a great opportunity to be headteacher of an overseas British school with strong links to the UK.

“I will be taking my experience over the last 12 years with me.

“The broad, balanced curriculum work at Bradon Forest sets students up for life beyond secondary age.

“There will be a real change in the pace and the diversity. “Stanley, where I am moving to, is a close-knit community. I will be known by everybody before I arrive.

“I am looking forward to building up my links in Stanley as I have done in Purton and the surrounding area, particularly with local businesses and stakeholders in the town.”

Mr Winward’s wife and their three children aged eight, six and five, who are pupils at Cherhill School in Calne, are also moving with him.

They have a family connection with the Falkland Islands because Mr Winward’s father-in-law served in the military in the 1982 conflict.

The family will take an 18 hour military flight from Brize Norton on July 31, with a stop at Ascension Island on the equator.

Bradon Forest has about 1,000 pupils, whereas Mr Winward’s new school has just 152. His contract is for two years but he is hoping to renew it when the time comes.

Mr Winward, who also teaches religious education and vocational studies, started as assistant headteacher in charge of vocational learning, work- related learning and alternative curriculum at Bradon Forest School in 2005.

He later progressed to deputy headteacher in charge of pastoral care, community cohesion and curriculum innovation for vulnerable students.

Mr Winward formerly taught at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham.

“I am extremely sad to be leaving Bradon Forest. I will miss the senior management team at the school and what we have developed under the leadership of Len Spiers,” he said.

“I look forward to forging new links when I move to my new school on shared projects such as the Commonwealth Games in 2014.”