A READING school has recently appointed a new executive head.

The Council of Governors of The Abbey School announced the appointment of Mr William le Fleming, who succeeds Mrs Rachel Dent - who is to become the new Head of Harrow School in Beijing, China.

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Mr le Fleming was educated at Eton and Clare College, Cambridge.

He has worked as a journalist, an author and at Historic Royal Palaces.

He was a teacher and then undermaster at St Paul's School in London before moving to St Paul's Girls School in 2014 to become deputy head and director of the Senior School.

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His responsibilities there included supporting an ethos of girls’ empowerment throughout the curriculum, particularly with regard to enterprise, career and university opportunities.

He joins The Abbey School now from his role as executive head at Fulham School.

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Elizabeth Harrison, who also works at the school, said: "We believe that Mr le Fleming will build on the impressive work of Mrs Dent and the Executive Board that continues to inspire students, staff and parents, to take The Abbey School confidently into the future."

Commenting on his appointment, Mr le Fleming said: "I am hugely excited about leading The Abbey School over the coming years.

"I am passionate about learning and discovery, and fostering a global outward looking educational ethos.

"I relish the opportunity to work with the wonderful staff and support their efforts to develop creative, kind, resilient and self-confident Abbey students."