THE acting headteacher at Court Fields School in Wellington, Polly Matthews, is taking over the role on a permanent basis.

The Castle Partnership Trust said it was ‘delighted’ when it was announced this week that she would be taking the helm at the 770-student school.

The Trust said: “Mrs Matthews has been acting headteacher at the school since Easter 2019.

“She has done a superb job of holding the school steady during these exceptional circumstances and the recent HMI Ofsted inspection of the way the school was ensuring children are getting an excellent education recognised this.”

Trust chief executive Sarah Watson said: “‘Mrs Matthews has done an excellent job of taking the school forwards. It is clear that she has the support of the staff, parents and the community.

“I have no doubt that Court Fields will continue to provide the excellent standard of education to our students seen by HMI inspectors when they visited.

“Headteachers from other local schools were part of the interview process as well as governors of the school drawn from the local community.

“The Trust is very committed to Wellington and has three schools in Wellington. It has enabled us to deploy resources where they will make the most significant difference.

“We have been able to secure significant capital sums to improve the school buildings of all our schools. Our aim is that the children in our Trust receive the very best education and support when it is needed. We are determined to ensure that every child makes better than average progress and that we are able to help and support families when they need it.”

Mrs Matthews is originally from the South-West but started her teaching career in London, following service in the Royal Navy and a career in IT. Since returning to the region she has worked at senior leadership level in Devon and Somerset, and joined the Castle Partnership Trust in September, 2018.

Mrs Matthews said: “I’m over the moon. I felt a real emotional connection with Court Fields School from the moment I first walked in, and I’m thrilled to be able to continue working with our fantastic staff, students, parents and the wider Wellington community as part of our ongoing school improvement journey.

“I’d like to thank all those who have been so supportive and worked tirelessly despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic to build a thriving school community and support our students.”