A CHANGE in career paid off for Ross McMurdo as he takes over headship of St Hilda's CE Primary School in Prestwich.

After two years as the deputy headteacher, the 34-year-old steps into the shoes of former headteacher Mrs Kath Perry, who has moved the short distance to St Margaret's CE Primary School.

Mr McMurdo was working as a civil servant when he decided to take up teaching.

The father-of-one went back to college and studied for a bachelor of education at Manchester Metropolitan University.

He said: "I left school with just one O-level and was more interested in sport at the time. I started work at 17 as a civil servant but started to think about teaching.

"I went to college and got some GCSEs and attended night school. I wanted to put something back so, at the age of 23 I became a mature student and went to university."

And Mr McMurdo, who lives in Elton, Bury, has never looked back.

His first job was at All Saints CE Primary School in Whitefield, where he worked for five years, and within seven years of taking the plunge he has achieved a headship.

He said: "Becoming a teacher was the best decision I ever made. I hope I can continue the good work Kath started at St Hilda's and drive standards up in the school and push the school forward."

The Whittaker Lane school currently has 105 pupils which are divided between four class teachers and has a thriving breakfast club.