AN ex Great Witley pupil will return to his former school after more than 20 years - as headmaster.

Will Lockett, 43, will take over the role at Abberley Hall School in September 2014, succeeding current head John Walker, who will have completed 18 years’ service.

Mr Lockett attended Abberley in the 1980s and went on Winchester College and then Manchester University where he obtained a first class honours degree in classics.

His teaching career began in Wiltshire at Dauntsey’s School and continued at Bryanston School, in Dorset where he currently teaches classics and is housemaster of a senior boys’ boarding house.

Mr Lockett, a father of three, said: “I am delighted to be appointed as headmaster of Abberley Hall. I was extremely happy here as a pupil and it will be an honour to return to a school with such an impressive reputation on the national stage.”

David Legh, chairman of Abberley’s board of governors, said: “We are thrilled to have selected Will as our new headmaster.

“He is steeped in the tradition of our school but he will nevertheless bring in new ideas and aspirations.

“He will take over at an exciting time in the school’s history as it approaches its centenary celebrations.”

He added: “Thanks to John Walker’s impressive stewardship, pupil numbers are flourishing and there has been a remarkable level of investment in recent years. This has seen the completion of a new classroom block, improved dormitories and studies, and more staff accommodation.”