New head teacher announced at girls' grammar school

Ms Barnett said: “I am genuinely thrilled that my current deputy has been appointed as my successor. Jacqui Cornell won the post against some tough external challengers, and is a popular choice with girls, staff and parents alike.

“I am confident she will lead the school to further success from September 2016; Shottery and its girls have a bright and exciting future ahead.”

Nancy Hall, Alice Harvey and Dale Sewell, the head girl team at the school, said: “All the girls are absolutely thrilled with the appointment of Mrs Cornell as Shottery’s brand new head, and we can’t think of a better person to take over from Ms Barnett.

“Mrs Cornell embodies everything that Shottery stands for and we have no doubt that Shottery has an incredibly positive future ahead with her at the helm,”

Mrs Cornell, who said she was delighted to be taking up the post, commented: “There is a lot of change happening in education at the moment which, though challenging, also offers lots of opportunities.”