A Suffolk high school has appointed its new headteacher and will start his job in the new academic year.

Peter Smith, who is currently deputy headteacher at Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge, will take over as headteacher at the school in September.

He has been at the school since 2014, serving as the deputy headteacher to Andy Sievewright, who retires in August.

Mr Smith said: "Having been fortunate to have worked at Farlingaye for the last nine years, I have a firm understanding of what a special school this is and what a brilliant community we serve.

"I feel incredibly honoured to have been appointed as the new Headteacher and have enjoyed the conversations I have had with staff, students, parents and our wider community about where to go next.

East Anglian Daily Times: Peter Smith, the new headteacher at Farlingaye High School. Credit: Farlingaye High SchoolPeter Smith, the new headteacher at Farlingaye High School. Credit: Farlingaye High School (Image: Farlingaye High School)

"As headteacher, I want to make sure that it is really clear what it means to be a Farlingaye student, and the standards we hold in terms of ourselves, our achievements and our ambitions are as high as they can be.

"We need to be restless, building on our strengths and challenging ourselves to always improve.

"Our aim is to be a beacon of excellence in everything we do."

Angelo Goduti, the chief executive of East Anglian Schools Trust (EAST), which runs the school, said: "On behalf of EAST and Farlingaye High School, I would like to thank Dr Sievewright for his commitment, care and leadership over the past seven years.

"We are very grateful for his hard work and service throughout his headship at Farlingaye.

"This is a very exciting time for Farlingaye High School."

Jeremy Steventon-Barnes, chair of governors, added: "In a competitive selection process last December, Mr Smith demonstrated a clear vision for building on Farlingaye's strengths.

"It's a big job with nearly 2,000 students, over 200 staff and a significant budget and we know that the whole school community will be behind him as he takes on this critical role."