The new chair of governors at Abbeyfield School is hoping to put the past behind her and build on the schools recent success.

Michele Blain has been elected as chair, following on from David Sage who spent 13 years in the role, and she has thanked the work of the outgoing chair.

Mrs Blain is hoping to continue the school’s recent good work praised following a summer of turbulence in leadership and staffing that resulted in the departure of headteacher James Fox.

Following an inspection in September Ofsted inspectors rated the 834-pupil secondary school as good, an increase on its rating of satisfactory three years ago.

David Nicholson, became acting headteacher after six years as deputy at Abbeyfield, and Mrs Blain is looking forward to working closely with him when she starts in January.

She said: “In recent months the governing body has said goodbye to several long serving governors. We thank them for their commitment. Particular thanks must go to David Sage who has given selfless servicefor many years.

“We are very fortunate to have recruited new members who bring a broad range of skills and expertise to their role. Governance is about acting as a critical friend to the school.

“The world of education is an ever changing one and I hope background in education and management consultancy will be valuable.”