THE new head of a prestigious Oxford school repeated the words of a famous wizard in his first assembly.

Crispin Hyde-Dunn took his position as the 11th headmaster of the Dragon School this week, and chose to inspire pupils by quoting Albus Dumbledore.

Reiterating words from the much-loved Harry Potter character, he said: “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

The North Oxford school, whose alumni includes Harry Potter star Emma Watson, welcomed pupils back on Monday.

Mr Hyde-Dunn, who was previously head of Abingdon Preparatory School, told children: “Your choices have the power to take you wherever you want to go. Just don’t forget to take a snapshot of those moments along the way.”

He took over from John Baugh, who led the school for 15 years.

The school said in Mr Baugh’s first assembly, he set the mantra: ‘be kind, be kind, be kind’.

Taking inspiration for his own speech, Mr Hyde-Dunn told pupils: “Being kind will always remain at the heart of the school...If you are happy, you will do your best.”

In July the Dragon School’s retiring head Mr Baugh shared his education concerns with the Oxford Mail, stating that ‘final exam culture stifles creativity’ and “GCSEs are possibly the worst thing ever invented’.

In a post on the school’s Facebook page, his replacement set out his aims for his first year.

Mr Hyde-Dunn wrote: “[It] will be one of listening, learning, building relationships and gaining the trust of the community in order to understand further the school’s needs.

“At the heart of my headship will be my commitment to ensuring that the Dragon continues to offer extraordinary opportunities.”