A Bury St Edmunds secondary school has appointed an interim headteacher following the sudden departure of its former leader at February half-term.

East Anglian Daily Times: Andy Prestoe left Sybil Andrews Academy suddenly at half-term. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTAndy Prestoe left Sybil Andrews Academy suddenly at half-term. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Trenica King will start at Sybil Andrews Academy, on Moreton Hall, after Easter following Andy Prestoe’s decision to step down from the role for “personal and professional reasons”.

The recruitment process for a new permanent headteacher at the Samuel Ward Academy Trust school from September is underway.

Mrs King said: “Having met the governors and staff, what struck me instantly is the ambition everyone has for the school to be the best it can be.

“I want to assist as much as possible with that and I am very excited to lead the school for the summer term.”

Mrs King has had 10 years of senior leadership experience in secondary schools, including three years as headteacher at New Rickstones Academy in Witham and, this term, as the interim headteacher at a school in Romford which the trust has been supporting.

Paul Rayner, chair of governors at the school, said: “Trenica has visited the school and, like everyone who visits, was delighted by what she saw.

“We look forward to welcoming her to the school and I know she is looking forward to meeting our students and their parents.”

Tim Coulson, chief executive of the Samuel Ward Academy Trust, said: “We are fortunate to have secured the services of such an experienced and delightful headteacher for Sybil Andrews Academy.

“Trenica will support the leadership team and staff as they plan to grow even further than the numbers first envisaged for the school, such has become its popularity in the town.”