A PRIMARY school in Wellington is welcoming a new headteacher to its team.

Mary Clothier has taken over the role and will be acting headteacher of St John’s Church of England Primary School.

The school said a sad goodbye to previous headteacher Gareth Jones who has moved to Parkfield School in Taunton.

Mr Jones saw the school achieve an “outstanding” rating during its Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools inspection earlier this year and helped the school improve its Ofsted rating to “good” in 2015.

Mrs Clothier wrote to her new pupils and their families explaining how “proud” she was to be given the opportunity to lead the school.

“I have received a very warm welcome from everyone, already, highlighting what a caring and special school we have,” she said.

“I know that a new headteacher is a big change for a school, so I will be taking every opportunity over the next few weeks to meet and get to know as many of the children, parents, staff and governors as possible.”

Mrs Clothier has previously worked as headteacher at three church primary schools, including Hatch Beauchamp, and as deputy head at a middle school.

She added: “As a parent of two children myself, I understand the pressures, along with the great pleasures, of bringing up children.

“Working closely with parents and carers is very important to me as together we can improve the educational outcomes for all the children in our care – giving them the best possible choices for their future.

“St John’s has a bright future and I feel very privileged to be able to play a part in its bright future.”