The Manor School in Melksham has had a fresh start this week as it became an academy and announced a new acting headteacher.

The school has received permission from the Depart-ment for Education to convert to an academy, which officially took place on September 1.

Chairman of governors Keith Clover said: “This is another exciting time at The Manor School which has improved its educational provision every year since it was created in 2004.

“Sometimes the conversion to an academy is linked to unsuccessful schools who may be failing, but I am very pleased to confirm The Manor School governing body made this decision due to the ongoing successes and our Outstanding status.”

“Academy status is the dawn of a new age in education. It will allow the school to build on the success”.

The school’s new acting headteacher, Kerry Haines, takes over after former head Beverley Martin agreed to become the interim headteacher at Matravers School in Westbury. Ms Haines has worked at St Michael’s Primary school and then The Manor School for more than 16 years. She had been the school special educational needs co-ordinator and assistant headteacher and will be acting headteacher until September 2013.

Ms Haines said: “I am honoured to be taking over from Beverley Martin. We will be building on the outstanding foundations, creating an exciting and stimulating environment in which to learn.

“The school will continue to have high expectations for all our pupils, as was seen in this year’s fantastic SAT’s results where nearly 90 per cent of our pupils achieved Level 4 and above.”

Mr Clover added: “The appointment of Kerry Haines as our acting headteacher is a fantastic result for The Manor School.

“She brings a wealth of experience and continue the outstanding provision.

“I am really excited about the future of the school. We are aiming to provide an outstanding learning environment as well as encouraging the children to have fun and enjoy their education which sometimes gets lost in the drive for academic success.”