The search has begun to find an "exceptional" headteacher to take on the running of St Bees School when it re-opens next year.

It was announced a fortnight ago that significant investment had been secured by a board of new trustees, meaning education would return to the village in September 2018.

The trustees at the historic school are working in partnership with South East Asian education group, Shenzhen International, to re-open the school following its shock closure two years ago.

They are now looking for a school leader, who would be in place by next January – or earlier – to help prepare for the opening.

The closing date is next Tuesday, with preliminary interviews taking place the following week and final interviews on April 20 and 21.

In the job application, advertised with RS Academics, it says: "This is a school determined to provide the gift of opportunity to all its pupils.

"Inspirational leadership abilities, a thorough knowledge of the latest curriculum developments and outstanding interpersonal skills will be essential."

The role provides an "attractive salary" and accommodation and the "passionate" and "motivated" headteacher will lead the re-opening of the school.

The plan is for the head to work alongside a senior leadership team, including a commercial director and director of marketing and admissions, to be the driving force for preparing for the September 2018 re-opening.

Part of the role will be to attract pupils to the school, enhance the performance and reputation of the school and recruit and retain high-quality teachers and support staff.

Work has been ongoing to bring education back to the 432-year-old school following its controversial closure in the summer of July 2015 due to falling pupil numbers.

Parts of the school have since reopened including the management centre, swimming pool and a new nursery.

When it's back open, the school will provide secondary education to fee-paying day and boarding students from West Cumbria, further afield in the UK and internationally, particularly drawing on links with Asia.