The new headteacher of St Mary’s RC School, Chippenham, says she is looking forward to the start of the new term in September.

Sarah Wembridge, who commutes from Gloucester-shire each morning, began as headteacher at the school in January.

She replaced acting headteacher and deputy head Mark Everett after long-serving head Steve Riley retired from the role last year.

Mrs Wembridge, who is in her second role as a headteacher, said: “From the moment I walked through the door, I found the atmosphere at this school so welcoming.

“Right off, I had a real sense of the school, from the friendships of the children to how fantastic the teaching staff is.

“I immediately knew that I wanted to work here.”

The mum-of-three grown-up children was previously in charge of at St Joseph’s RC Primary School near Stroud.

“The schools have plenty of similarities, including, of course, that they are both Catholic,” she added.

“I was interested in working here as soon as I heard the position was available.

“This is a lovely town and I feel extremely lucky to be in this position. I can’t wait to get started again in September.”

Mrs Wembridge, who has been married to her engineer husband, Brian, for 32 years, has lived in many parts of the UK, but says she is now settled in Gloucestershire.

St Mary’s was rated as “outstanding” in its last Ofsted report.

“However, I think next year we’ll be making some small changes to the curriculum. I’m hoping to work towards something more skills-based, with students learning topics around skills. It’s important for the children to learn how to be good citizens while at school. It will be a balanced curriculum aimed at working towards well-rounded students.”

Mrs Wembridge said the faith of the school is integral to the students it produces.

“Caring for, and working with, unique individuals underpins the whole thing,” she said.

“It is a vital part of the faith and of the school. The children here are extremely caring and kind towards each other, which really shows.”