Taking over the reins at The Firs School in Chester is Lucy Davies, who has succeeded Margaret Denton.

Mrs Davies has spent 13 years in Qatar at Al Khor International School near Doha, one of the largest international schools in the Middle East, where she was head of the juniors.

Mrs Davies will bring an international dimension to The Firs and considerable experience from working with education experts like Pamela Mundy and Shirley Clarke.

She said: “I am exceptionally pleased to be leading and guiding such an outstanding school.

“Children are really happy here and we will continue to bring out the best qualities and learning opportunities for each individual with the best teaching and facilities.”

Mrs Davies studied her BA at the University of Durham, her Post Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of Exeter and her Post Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia and literacy at the University of York.

She also holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship.