CATHY Drury, who has been acting head of Chirton Primary School for the summer term, has been confirmed as the school's new headteacher.

Miss Drury, originally from Barking in London, was offered the position after governors interviewed a number of candidates for the position left vacant by the resignation of Jos Jewell earlier this year.

Nicky Wragg, the chairman of governors, said the governing body was 'over the moon' they had persuaded Miss Drury to stay. She said: "We are delighted we have now got a permanent head and now hope to go on to build up a thriving village school."

After completing her teacher training at Westminster College, Oxford, Miss Drury returned to Barking where she taught for five years in two different junior schools.

Five years ago she moved to Wiltshire, taking up a post at Forest and Sandridge School, Melksham, where she became a senior teacher and, for autumn term 2001, took responsibility as acting headteacher.

Earlier this year she was approached by Wiltshire County Council's education department to take over as acting head at Chirton.

She said: "I was so impressed with the school and the warm welcome I received from everyone that I decided that this was the place I wanted to be.

"I applied for the headteacher post and was delighted to be successful in being appointed.

"This is an exciting time for Chirton School.

"We have recently had a super Ofsted report, which has been a great encouragement to us. As a small school we are fortunate in having a very generous pupil-teacher ratio which gives us small classes and allows us to focus on individual learning.

"A major priority is for this school to be at the heart of the village community. Work has begun on strengthening our links with the local community."

Anyone interested in the toddler group or looking for a place for their child at primary school is invited to ring the school on (01380) 840684.