Tony Gavin had to go that extra mile to get the job as head teacher of Burnholme Community College - and this has made him more determined than ever to be a success, as Education Reporter Rosemary Cook finds out.

TONY Gavin will take up the role of head of Burnholme Community College next term, but it has been a long hard slog for him to reach this stage.

After being at the school for four years as deputy head, and then acting head for a year, he was turned down for the job of head teacher.

The panel said they were unable to appoint anyone during the interviews and left the vacancy open.

Following the rejection, Tony actually had to return to the job he had been turned down for, as acting head.

"It was a bit tough as I had to carry on," said Tony.

"At the time it was a bit of a blow, but it made me more determined."

Seven months later he gave it another go and this time was successful, despite being up against some tough competition.

He said: "When I was told I had got the job it was a fantastic moment, a defining moment."

After a battle to get the job, Tony now faces the even bigger challenge of leading the school through what are particularly turbulent times for schools, with financial problems being top of the agenda.

One of his major targets is to improve the way everybody else sees Burnholme and change the "image" the school has.

"It is not blessed with the best circumstances, but over the last five years I have been part of significant changes.

"Our reputation is changing all the time, it is only the people who do not know us that have a blinkered outlook.

"I want to get the best I can for Burnholme, I want us to compete with the Huntingtons and Fulfords of this world."

And one way he is doing that is through the school's bid to become a business college which, as well as bringing prestige and new interest to the school, will also bring that all-important cash boost.

At a time when secondary schools could lose out on £75,000 because of budget cuts and changes in funding the money will be more than welcome.

Although the money aspect of the bid is of great importance, Tony sees it as a way of developing the future of the school and pupils.

He said: "Education is changing so rapidly, the business bid is the one that focuses on the future, we are preparing students for the world of work."

Tony is also hoping to up the grades of students and boost last year's 40 per cent of GSCE grades between grades A to C to 50 per cent. Whatever challenges lie ahead for Tony, he intends to face them head on and is determined to take a hands-on approach to the headship.

"I want to be someone who is approachable and I want to communicate with the students staff and parents.

"I want to inspire people and let them go that extra ten per cent."

Tony will remain as acting head teacher until he takes up the post permanently in September.

Updated: 09:48 Wednesday, June 18, 2003