The new headteacher of a primary school near Haverhill has praised the “strong sense of family community” which has greeted his arrival.

Matt Martin joined Kedington Primary Academy this term to take on his first headship, taking over from Karen Sheargold.

Mr Martin, who joins the school from Westfield Primary Academy in Haverhill, where he was deputy headteacher, said: “Everyone has been so welcoming since I started.

“The children here have been fantastic and are clearly very enthusiastic about learning and the staff are very hard-working and committed to supporting children.

“Kedington Primary Academy has this strong sense of family and community and it has a very good reputation in the local area. I just want to continue and enhance that further.

“I had a very enjoyable experience at Westfield and I have very find memories of my time there.”

Michaela Harris has also joined Kedington Primary Academy – rated “outstanding” by Ofsted – as new deputy headteacher.

She said: “I am delighted to be here. It is a great school with so much support from parents and the community.”

Last year, the school, which has 210 pupils across single age classes, formally joined the Samuel Ward Academy Trust.