Lea and Garsdon CE Primary School, near Malmesbury, is preparing to welcome Mrs Emma Williams as its new headteacher from 1 September.
She brings extensive experience in school leadership and is set to guide the school into its next phase.
Mrs Williams said, “Children are the heart of a school. school is a place where children can feel safe, happy and secure, where individuality is celebrated and strengths are recognised, encouraged and developed.”
She added, “Effective learning begins with secure emotional wellbeing; developing the whole child is fundamental to long term success. It was wonderful to see the extended facilities, enrichment opportunities and fabulous outdoor space.”
A colleague from a previous school said, “She is inspirational and has excellent interpersonal and communication skills with an abundance of impressive leadership qualities that she uses with great impact.”
They added, “She is caring, approachable, empathetic and thoughtful and works hard to create the conditions where all at school are safe. She recognises the importance of creating a happy, nurturing atmosphere where children learn best.”
Dr Phil Yates, Chair of Governors, said, “We are delighted at the prospect of Mrs Williams leading the school into its next phase. She operates with a strong moral compass bringing high commitment and hard work together with a thoughtful, compassionate approach to her inspirational leadership.”
He added, “With her focus on high academic attainment too, this fits perfectly with our ethos of providing a caring, high achieving yet broad-based local village school education.”
He also paid tribute to the outgoing head, saying, “We are all tremendously grateful to Mrs Alderson, our retiring Head, for her wonderful leadership of the school which is already high achieving and popular. Ms Williams is the perfect successor to build on this secure foundation.”
Mrs Williams said, “I thrive in the close working relationships, family ethos and values that are unique to leading a village school. I relish the opportunity to serve a village community.”
She added, “As a passionate and ambitious school leader, I continually strive to make the curriculum and school environment both a holistic and magical experience. Building on Lea and Garsdon’s success is an attractive prospect and I look forward with great enthusiasm to taking up this post.”
She said she is looking forward to getting to know pupils and families, and leading the school through its next stage of development.
Families interested in learning more about the school can contact the school office on 01666 823534.
