JACQUI Monckton has been confirmed as the new headteacher at Dauntsey's Aided Primary School in West Lavington.

Mrs Monckton, formerly headteacher at Shrewton Primary School, was appointed acting head on the resignation of Philip Sampey, following a highly critical Ofsted report in May.

Though the report said teaching at the school was good overall, the inspection team led by Richard Brent had serious concerns about the leadership and management of the school, which they said was unsatisfactory.

They denounced the absence of strong leadership and said there were weaknesses in the organisation and implementation of school policies.

Mr Sampey resigned as soon as the report was published and Mrs Monckton, once deputy head at Wansdyke School in Devizes, was brought in as acting headteacher.

The school's board of governors met last Friday to consider the appointment of a new headteacher after having interviewed three candidates including Mrs Monckton, who lives in Urchfont.

John Ford, chairman of governors, commented: "Mrs Monckton came in as acting head in June and since then has worked very well with staff and governors to put in place the action plan to address Ofsted's concerns."

Mrs Monckton commented: "I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as the new head for Dauntsey's Aided Primary School.

"I look forward to an exciting future at the school."