STOKE St Gregory Church of England Primary School has a new headteacher.

Barney Rycroft, an executive leader from the Oak Partnership Trust, has taken up the post this term after previously holding a similar position at Blackbrook Community Primary School, in Taunton.

The Oak Partnership has been supporting with the leadership of the school since last November 2022, a partnership which was praised in Ofsted’s last visit to the school in January this year.

The school now looks forward to becoming an academy and joining The Oak Partnership and is being supported by the Department for Eduction and Somerset Council to convert on November 1.

Mr Rycroft said: "It is an incredibly exciting time for the school and local community.

"I am looking forward to continuing to support the school to flourish.

"The school and trust are looking forward to embracing all of the benefits and support that collaboration will bring for this small rural primary school.”

The school is holding open days for September 2024 new school starters on November 6 and 7 - for more information visit the school website at www.sstgs.co.uk/