A YORK teacher has moved across the city to take the reins at a new school.

Helen Coles, deputy head at Hempland Primary School, is the new headteacher at St Lawrence CE Primary School.

She had worked at Hempland since 1998, and was there when the school got its Outstanding OFSTED status. Hempland is also a founder member of the Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust, which St Lawrence’s plans to join.

John Hattam, chairman of governors at St Lawrence’s, said: “It’s great news that Helen has been appointed to lead. As a selection panel and governing body we are unanimous that Helen is the right person to lead St Lawrence’s towards a brighter future.

“The OFSTED inspectors were clear the school needed to take swift and decisive action to improve the effectiveness of leadership and management, and to improve the quality of teaching so the pupils have a better learning experience and achieve more.

York Press:

“We are confident that Helen’s appointment, a refreshed governing body, and joining the Pathfinder Multi-Academy Trust will provide the capacity for this rapid improvement which has already begun.”

Ms Coles, who has been there two days a week as acting head since September, said she was thrilled and said: “I’ve discovered that this is a wonderful school with children who are engaged and keen to learn, supportive parents and governors, and a great staff team. I believe St Lawrence’s is a school with the potential to achieve great things."