THE new school term has begun and not only is St John’s in Marlborough welcoming a fresh year of students but also principal Nicky Edmondson.

She has taken over from headteacher Patrick Hazelwood who has retired after being in the post for almost 20 years.

However, he is still involved at the secondary school on Granham Hill as chief executive officer of the Excalibur Academies Trust and has been on hand offering advice to the newest recruit.

“I have been made to feel so welcome,” Mrs Edmondson said. “I was appointed in October, so I have had quite a long time to prepare myself.

“It has been wonderful to finally be here to get to know the staff and students, get to know my way around and I could not be enjoying it more.”

Mrs Edmondson, who lives near Upavon, has taught English since 1990 and has been a headteacher since 2007, first at Henry Box School in Witney and then Penair School in Truro, Cornwall in 2013.

“I think the main feature that St John’s has that is so different is this wonderful building, I feel very privileged,” she added. “The one area we would perhaps like to see developed is our sports facilities and one of the things I am talking to people about is looking into raising additional funding to provide more outdoor facilities.”

Mrs Edmondson, who will be teaching English to several groups, is also hoping the new sixth form building, which has been delayed and scaled back due to money shortages, will be ready for students next month.

She said: “When you come into a school as good as this one, the first thing you need to think about is making sure you maintain the standards and ensure that we are an outstanding school and we continue to provide an outstanding education for all the children, that is my main aim.

“I have been so impressed with the quality of the teaching I have seen and the commitment and the fact people will go the extra mile. We have got some wonderful talented students here.

“I have not met many parents yet, so I am looking forward to that and working with the governors, who again, seem a very committed group of people.”