THE new headteacher of a small rural primary school says she is ‘committed to getting the best out of children’.

Cleo Cunningham took over the headship at Heversham St Peter’s CE Primary School at the beginning of term.

She only moved to the area recently after husband Andy became head at Lakes School, Troutbeck Bridge, near Windermere.

“I am very excited at the prospect of leading this already well-respected and successful school to a long and bright future,” she said.

“Children, parents, staff and governors have made me very welcome and I have enjoyed my first few weeks in Cumbria, although I have visited the area many times over the years.”

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She added she was keen to build on the foundation set by acting headteacher Su Holohan over the last year.

“I am keen to build on her good work to provide our children with the best possible educational provision in a truly glorious setting,” she said.

“I am committed to getting the best out of children by making learning stimulating and challenging.

“I also believe in encouraging children to set themselves high standards. They need to develop independent learning skills and resilience so that they will be well equipped for the next stage of their learning journey and, indeed, for life.”

Mrs Cunningham has moved from Derby where, for five years, she was headteacher of a large junior school.

Prior to that, she was deputy headteacher of another junior school, following many years teaching in Northamptonshire and Derbyshire.

“In my spare time, I love to go walking and horse riding,” she added. “PE is a hugely important part of the school curriculum and I am delighted that our school has strong sporting links with Dallam School.

“Heversham is a lovely school with dedicated, hard-working staff and governors as well as a very active parent and teacher association which raises considerable sums in order to improve the learning environment.”

Jane Clarke, chair of governors at the school, said: “Her experience and skill will help us to ensure that the school and its pupils achieve their potential.”