Sharon Cross, who has been acting head at St Katharine’s School at Savernake for the past year, has been appointed headteacher from September.

Mrs Cross, who joined St Katharine’s as acting head, had a baptism of fire after she succeeded Andy Perry and at the start of her first term she led the church school through successful Ofsted and diocesan inspections.

Chairman of the governors, Peter Holland, said: “Mrs Cross has done much during the course of the year to develop and improve the educational provision at the school, as well as encouraging activities such as sport and use of the forest around the school.”

The number of pupils on the roll is now at an all time high and with the influx of new pupils after the summer holidays, including five transferring from Grafton school, which has closed, St Katharine’s will be reaching its maximum capacity of 84.

Work will be starting during the summer holidays to build an extension that will enable the school to provide more flexible small teaching spaces and a staff room, as well as a new office and additional storage space.

Kevin Sandall, one of the teachers, said: “The staff here at St Katharine’s are delighted that Mrs Cross will be able to continue her work as our headteacher.

“She had a very successful year as acting head and has made sure that we all share a strong vision going forward.”

Mrs Cross, who taught at Winsley near Bradford on Avon before moving across the county to Savernake, said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as headteacher.

“I look forward to leading the team at St Katharine’s and ensuring that the school continues to thrive and improve for the benefit of all our pupils.”