A LEADING primary school has welcomed a new headteacher this month.

Heathcote Preparatory and Nursery, an independent primary school in Danbury, has a familiar face in charge for 2020.

Samantha Scott took up the position as headteacher at the start of the year, having previously served as deputy head.

Mrs Scott said: “I am hugely honoured to take up my new role and having the opportunity to enable and encourage our wonderful pupils to flourish and thrive educationally, creatively and personally.”

Catherine Ablott, of Heathcote School’s board of directors, said: “Samantha was the outstanding candidate for the role, demonstrating expertise, drive and commitment, and we are excited for the school’s progress and development under her leadership.”

Mrs Scott is a Cambridge University graduate with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.

She has taught a wide range of subjects in primary and secondary schools for more than 19 years.

She has been part of the senior leadership team at Heathcote for the last two years.

As deputy head she was instrumental in securing the school an ‘excellent’ inspection rating from the Independent Schools Association.