SETTRINGTON Primary School has welcomed a new headteacher.

Mari Palmer joined the school at the beginning of term after seven years at St Hedda’s Primary, near Egton Bridge.

After two “outstanding” Ofsted reports, Mrs Palmer said she was looking for a role closer to home and was delighted to be appointed as the new headteacher at Settrington.

“I loved being at St Hedda’s, but as we live nearby this was perfect for me,” she said.

Originally from Sussex, Mrs Palmer has been teaching for 15 years.

“At university I really loved sport and maths and enjoying coaching football during the school holidays,” she said.

Mrs Palmer, who is married to Colin and has three children, said Settrington was very similar to her previous school.

“It is a lovely, small village school with a good Christian ethos,” she said. “Everyone has been so kind and welcoming and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone.”

Mrs Palmer, who also helps at Heslerton Junior Football Club, said she hoped to build on the work of the previous headteacher, Catherine Hanch.

“I hope to develop our links with the church and also work actively with other local schools in the area,” she said.