THE APPOINTMENT of a new headteacher for the Thomas Hardye School has been backed by the school’s old boys’ association.

The Old Hardyeans have welcomed the news that Michael Foley will be taking up the reins at the Dorchester school in September.

The Echo revealed earlier this month that the head of the Great Cornard Upper School in Suffolk had been chosen as the successor to Dr Iain Melvin, who spent more than 20 years at the helm.

Dr Melvin stepped down in December last year and the school has since been run by the senior management team.

Following Mr Foley’s appointment Michel Hooper-Immins, president of the Old Hardyeans, has written to the new headteacher to welcome him to the school.

He said: “I am delighted to welcome you to your new appointment as headmaster of the Thomas Hardye School, on behalf of the Old Hardyeans - the old boys of Dorchester Grammar School, Hardye’s School and Thomas Hardye School.

“The Old Hardyeans hope you will have many happy years guiding the fortunes of this great school.

“Dr Iain Melvin has left us all a tremendous legacy of brilliant achievement.

“It now falls to you to pick up the baton and help Thomas Hardye School climb to even greater heights.

“The Hardyeans club stands always ready to support and help the school.

“We had a warm relationship with Dr Melvin which we look forward to continuing under your guidance.

“Best wishes on your move to Dorset and again many congratulations.”

Father of four Mr Foley, 49, is currently head teacher of Great Cornard Upper School and Technology College in Suffolk, a post he has held since 2002.

He has previously worked at other schools in Suffolk and is an Ofsted trained inspector who has spoken at a number of national conferences. Deputy head teacher Tony Moore also welcomed Mr Foley to the school.

He said: “I am sure you will join all of us at the school, in offering Michael Foley our warmest congratulations.

“We look forward to working with him very much from the start of the autumn term.”