A NEW headteacher has been welcomed by pupils and staff at St James' CE First School in Alderholt.

Jo Hudson joins the school after previously being the deputy headteacher at St Mary’s CE First School in West Moors. She was appointed to the role on April 24 but has been acting head since January.

Miss Hudson, who has more than 11 years’ experience in education, said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be headteacher of such a friendly and excellent village school.

“I am committed to providing our children with an inspiring curriculum to enrich and challenge their teaching and learning. Being a small school we are able to create a personalised learning culture for our children.

“Everyone at the school has given me a warm welcome and I look forward to leading the school’s journey into an even brighter future.”

In December 2015 it joined HAT and benefits from close collaboration with the trust’s five other east Dorset schools - Sixpenny Handley First School, Oakhurst Community First School in West Moors, St Mary’s First School in West Moors, St Ives Primary School and Three Legged Cross First School.

HAT chief executive officer, Justine Horn, said: “Everyone connected with the Trust and St James’ First School is thrilled to have such a superb leader as Jo as its new headteacher.

“Under Jo’s leadership the school will be strengthening its links within the village and ensure we continue to enhance the lives of Alderholt’s young learners.”

St James’ First School was rated Good in its last Ofsted inspection and has also achieved the UNICEF Level 1 Rights Respecting school award. It has 83 children at the school.