LITERACY specialist Jan Bennett has been appointed headteacher of the primary school under construction at Bishopdown Farm, Salisbury.

Mrs Bennett (41) takes up her post at the beginning of the summer term next year, when the building project should be nearing completion and she will be able to influence the choice of finishes and equipment.

She will also be involved in the recruitment of staff for the school, which is due to open next September.

Currently deputy head at Alderbury and West Grimstead Primary School, Mrs Bennett has already obtained the National Professional Qualif-ication for headship and is a distinguished literacy teacher, one of 24 in Wiltshire whose work is used as an example to others.