INNOVATIVE pupils at a Vale of York primary school awarded their new head teacher "top marks" in their own opinion poll.

The new head of Stillington Primary School, Sarah Atkinson, who started yesterday, was subjected to the scrutiny of her future pupils when she joined the list of candidates for the post in the village, near Easingwold.

The youngsters suggested requirements such as "the ability to treat everyone equally" and "to keep trying even when children are naughty". The result of the unofficial poll was then presented to school governors, who found the children's choice of Miss Atkinson coincided with their own.

Their chairman, Jim Crook, said: "The governors of the school are delighted and very encouraged that their own choice of candidate also had the overwhelming support of the pupils.

"The governors were keen to involve pupils in the selection process, but were not anticipating the opinion poll, which was completed on their own initiative. It shows that children know what they want in a head teacher and seek qualities that we, as adults, can identify with."

Miss Atkinson's appointment follows the retirement of Hilary Henderson, who worked at the school for 14 years.

Miss Atkinson completed six years as a teacher at Sutton Under Whitestonecliffe Primary School. She was acting head teacher at East Cowton Primary School.

She said: "I was delighted when offered the post of head teacher at Stillington Primary School. I am especially pleased to learn that I have the support of pupils and governors and look forward to working with everyone connected with the school.

"It is a wonderful village school and I am proud to be its new head teacher."

Updated: 10:38 Tuesday, April 29, 2003