THE new head at Malvern College, Keith Metcalfe has hit the ground running – literally.

Mr Metcalfe, aged 44, took up leadership at the school at the start of this term, following the departure of his predecessor Antony Clarke.

And, as a cross-country runner, he has also taken to striding out over the Malvern Hills.

He said that among his major concerns is the mental wellbeing of the pupils.

He said: “Take social media.

“It’s a useful tool but it demands good sense and self-control in the way it’s used.

“Young people must realise that what they post online may never be deleted.

“Using mobile phones appropriately is also vital: we allow them access during down time but not during the school day or at mealtimes.”

Mr Metcalfe, is married to Clare, a qualified primary school teacher and photographer, and they have three young children.

He was educated at Monmouth School, and then read geography at Downing College, Cambridge.

He came into education after teaching in India during a gap year, then working for Christians in Sport.

He said: “I enjoyed teaching geography and I loved the sporting and pastoral aspects, so I did a PGCE and realised I’d found what I wanted to do.

“My best moments as a teacher have been when a recalcitrant teenager who’s been finding something tough, suddenly just gets it and realises that they are the author of their own success and it is up to them, or when they suddenly discover the subject or activity they really love.”