The new headteacher of the John Bentley School in Calne will be Laura Carleton, the present deputy head at Bristol Grammar School, it was announced today.

She will succeed Gordon Trafford, the current headteacher, in September and will attend a number of school events between now and the summer to meet the school community.

Chair of governors Martin Kelly said: “My fellow governors and I were impressed by the high calibre of the candidates we interviewed for the post of principal.

”Careful deliberation was needed to make our choice and it is a positive endorsement of The John Bentley School’s reputation that we were able to attract such an excellent field of applicants and secure the appointment of such a high quality principal as Ms Carleton.”

Ms Carleton has been deputy headteacher at Bristol Grammar School for five successful years. In that role she gained extensive experience in the School Leadership Team of one of the region’s most highly regarded schools.

Ms Carleton said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as principal of The John Bentley School from September. The school has such a lovely feel to it and the students I met when I came into the school were delightful.

“Not only does the school offer excellent pastoral care and an inclusive education for all students, but it is also a school which challenges itself academically and which provides a wealth of extra-curricular opportunities.

“All in all this provides an excellent educational opportunity for the students of Calne and beyond.

“The recent conversion to Academy status brings with it a lot of opportunities and I am really looking forward to getting to know the school community and to working with the students, staff, parents and governors in ensuring that the school is outstanding in all that it does.

“This is a tremendous opportunity and one which I am delighted to accept."