The deputy head teacher at a school in Ashford is set to take on the top job this September.

The North School’s deputy head Anna Lawrence, whose expertise in teaching inspired their best ever set of GCSE results last summer, is set to become the head teacher.

Mrs Lawrence has played a major part in the revival of the school and has been praised for her contributions by the current head teacher, Nicki Hodges.

Ms Hodges will still be on hand to support the school but is taking on a new role with the Swale Academies Trust as its Director of Teaching Schools and Leadership Development.

She promised that September’s handover to her current deputy would ensure a smooth transition: “The students and staff know Mrs Lawrence well and her commitment to, and knowledge of, the school is very strong indeed.

“Anna has been an essential part of the school’s improvement journey and contributed greatly to our excellent results last year and to our improvements in teaching and learning across the school.

"I am confident that the school will be in safe hands.”

Ms Hodges continued: “Having worked within The Swale Academies Trust for more than 16 years, I have become passionate about school improvement and the support mechanisms associated with it.

“My new role will involve working in The North School, and other schools across the trust, to support and develop leadership in a variety of ways.

"The North and I have been fortunate to benefit from the support of Swale Academies Trust and I hope to be able to offer that same quality of support back.

“I very much look forward to maintaining my links with the school as it continues to improve and offer excellent provision to local young people.

"The past three years at The North have been an incredible journey and I feel exceptionally proud to have worked with such an amazing group of teachers, students, governors and parents.”