The new principal of a Watford school has vowed to improve exam results and help it become “the heart of the community”.

Leo Gilbert, 48, arrived at Francis Combe Academy, in Horseshoe Lane, Garston, earlier this month.

And his mission, he said, is to help transform it into “the best school in Watford”.

“Francis Combe in the past has had a negative reputation in the eyes of the local community and that's improved,” he said. “This will be the school of choice in the local community. That's what my mission is.

“I'm not interested in pulling students in from miles away. This school will be the heart of the community.”

Mr Gilbert, from south London, has previously taught at six other schools. This is his first position as headteacher.

A former mini-cab driver in London, in his last job he was the vice principal at the Harris Academy Merton, despite only training as a teacher aged 30.

“I have been lucky enough to work at three 'outstanding' schools so there's a range of experience I can draw on to put the emphasis on achievement,” he said. “I want to make sure students are given more support to get them achieving well.

“I can see what a strong team of leaders we have got here that are determined our students are going to achieve to the best of their ability.”

The school, which became an academy in September 2009, is currently undergoing a multi-million pound redevelopment that will see 81 per cent of its buildings torn down and rebuilt.

The first phase is due to open in September, with the finishing touches in place 12 months later.

“It's going to be a hugely impressive space,” said Mr Gilbert.

“It's such an exciting time in the academy's development. Results are going to be massively different from last year. With the new building going up, there's a real sense of that this is a new type of Francis Combe and making sure the students really achieve and work in a 21st Century learning environment.

“Exam results this year are going to be higher than last year by some distance. Year 11 students have taken their exams and 27 per cent have already got A* to Cs in English and maths. Last year we got 31 per cent overall, which was lower than we hoped it would be.

“What we're doing now is making sure as many students at possible get five A*-C GCSEs with English and maths. We're hoping to get 40 per cent.

“In two years, the results will bear no reflection on what they are at the moment.”

The father-of-four said his time at the school so far had been a “privilege” and that by ensuring behaviour and teaching is outstanding, excellent exam results will soon follow.

“Once it is recognised as an outstanding school, it will be the school of choice; the best school in Watford,” he said. “Students who come to this school will make the most progress than they would at any other school.

“The fundamental issue of any school is to make sure behaviour is outstanding so it's just not an issue. Then you look at the quality of teaching in the classroom. From day one, every lesson has been taught with an open door. We will also carry out a lot of unannounced lesson observations with personal feedback.

“My background is rapid transformation and that's what I'm anticipating going on here. The rapport with teachers and students is outstanding. They work for and with each other so there's huge potential here.”