A DEDICATED and enthusiastic headteacher will be joining an all-girls school after its principal retires after 21 years.

The Marist School in Sunninghill will see Joanne Smith, an 'established leader' take over the school from September 1.

The new headteacher believes her experience and skills will flourish with The Marist and her enthusiasm for teaching and learning is apparent.

She said: "I am thrilled to be joining The Marist School in September.

"From my first visit I was impressed with what a wonderful school it is and felt a real sense of happiness and kindness from everyone I met.

"The Marist values resonate with me, both personally and professionally, being strongly aligned to mine as a committed Catholic."

The enthusiastic new principal previously was a deputy head academic at Arnold Lodge School in Warwickshire and led the leadership team to "academic success".

As well as this, she spent the past six years as Chair of Governors for St Peter's Catholic School in Leamington Spa.

Ann Nash, Chair of Governors said: "Her passion for excellence, in particular academically, was clear and following the summer handover, we believe she will lead the school with strength and conviction from day one.”

Joanne has proved to have a broad career, working at senior schools, state and indepedent and as a Senior Examiner for the AQA exam board.

The new principal will be taking over from Karl McCloskey, who said goodbye to the school on July 4 to be with his family in Ireland.

Karl said: "I am sure that Joanne will experience and enjoy the warmth of welcome as well as the continued support of the staff, parents and girls alike across the school community.

"The Marist is much more than just a school and as I ‘pass on the baton’ to Mrs Smith, I'm sure an exciting and successful new chapter will begin.”