Nicky Edmondson, who will take over as principal of St John's  Academy in Marlborough when Dr Patrick Hazlewood retires next year, says she is privileged to be taking on the role.

Dr Hazlewood is retiring at Easter after almost 20 years in the post with senior vice principal Miles Whittaker leading the academy, rated Outstanding in all areas earlier this year, through the summer term.

Mrs Edmondson will start her new role in September 2015. She has been a head teacher since 2007 working first at Henry Box School in Witney before moving to Penair School in Truro, Cornwall in 2013.

“The first time I visited the school I was so impressed," said Mrs Edmondson.

"It’s a wonderful environment for the children to be educated.

“It’s a vibrant school and I love Marlborough, I feel very privileged.

“It is a privilege to be joining such an innovative, forward-looking school with an outstanding reputation as an international academy.”

Mrs Edmondson, born in Hereford, began her career as an English teacher at Saintbridge School in Gloucester in 1990, became head of English at Tewkesbury School in 1998 and took on the deputy head teacher role of Kingsdown School in Swindon in 2001.

Chairman of governors, Jane Butler, said the appointment came at the end of a recruitment process which included a rigorous set of interviews and presentations with staff, students, parents and governors.

She said: “I am delighted that Nicky Edmondson has accepted the position.

“I believe that her strong track record will enable St John’s to maintain its position as an outstanding academy, while at the same time she will bring her own style of working, to the benefit of our students. I very much look forward to working with her.”

Dr Hazlewood will retain close links to St John’s as he continues as chief executive of the Excalibur Academies Trust, of which St John’s is a founding member.