ST Benedict’s School has a new headteacher. has been announced for St Benedict’s School.

Emma Jackson, who is currently head of St Gregory & St Patrick’s Catholic Infant in Whitehaven and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Cleator Moor, will take up the new post in September.

Mrs Jackson told The Whitehaven News: “I’m absolutely delighted to be taking over.

“It’s a really challenging role but I think the school is going to go from strength to strength.

“The staff are enthusiastic, the children are keen to learn and the school has a lovely new building.

“I am very sad to be leaving my two schools, though.”

A newsletter was released on Friday by Mrs Jackson on behalf of St Gregory’s School, announcing her new position.

It said: “It is with the deepest sadness that I am writing to inform you that I will be leaving St Gregory’s at the end of the summer term.

“Yesterday I was appointed the new headteacher of St Benedict’s Catholic High School.

“I have enjoyed my six years as headteacher here and leave in the knowledge that our outstanding school will continue to go from strength to strength under a new headteacher.

“I am also consoled by the fact that I will be involved with the education of your children again, all be it when they are a little older and a little bigger.”

She added that governors will now set about appointing a new headteacher.

Last year teachers at St Benedict’s School voted in favour of strike action amid concerns over a “toxic atmosphere” and “a culture of fear and intimidation”.

It was later announced that the school’s headteacher Ian Smith was absent, and one of his assistants, Steve Bridgman took on the role of acting headteacher.

John McQuirk, chair of governors, at St Benedict’s School said: “The governors of St Benedict’s Catholic High School are delighted to announce that, following a rigorous selection process, Mrs Emma Jackson has been appointed headteacher, with effect from September 1, 2019.

“The governors are confident that Mrs Jackson has the skills and attributes required to move St Benedict’s Catholic High School forward and we are sure that you will join us in welcoming her to our school.”