A NEW headteacher has been appointed at Cumbria's largest secondary school.

Jo Hawkin will take up the role as headteacher of Trinity School in Carlisle in September.

She will replace co-headteachers Sheila Johnston and Derek Kay who are retiring in the summer after five years in charge.

Brian Armstrong, chair of governors, said: "Ms Hawkin is of course our current deputy headteacher and so will be able to ensure a smooth transfer of leadership.

"She began her career as a teacher of maths at Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham, progressing quickly to be head of maths at two other schools in the North East.

"She joined Trinity School as an assistant headteacher in 2007, having also worked as part of the Senior Leadership Team in another school in the North East.

"Ms Hawkin became deputy headteacher here in 2014. An outstanding teacher herself, she is passionate about providing a high quality education for students at this school."

The position was advertised nationally and a two-day interview process was held.

Mr Armstrong paid tribute to the work of Mrs Johnston and Mr Kay.

He said: "After five years in their position the co-heads have decided to retire from the end of the present academic year. They have done a great job and will be sorely missed.

"I am confident that the co-heads will be working at their usual 110 per cent level right up to their departure. We wish them well in their future retirement."