Wolverhampton Grammar School has appointed a new head to take over from Dr Bernard Trafford when he leaves next summer.

Vincent Darby is currently head at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys in Kings Heath, which is one of the top state schools at A-level and was named as the 2006 Sunday Times Secondary School of the Year.

The 52-year-old, who has 30 years experience as a teacher, will take up the post from September 2008.

Dr Simon Walford, chairman of governors at the Compton Road school, said: “This is a very exciting appointment for Wolverhampton Grammar School and we expect our dynamic school to go from strength to strength under the leadership of Vincent Darby.”

Dr Trafford is leaving after 18 years at the school to become head at Newcastle Grammar School.