Unity Schools Partnership is pleased to announce that Ms Sally Kennedy will start as the new headteacher of County Upper School in Bury St Edmunds from September.

Ms Kennedy (right) is currently associate headteacher at Walthamstow Girls School and previously was head of school at Crown Woods College in Greenwich and assistant head at Kingsford Community School in Newham. By background, she teaches English.

Ms Kennedy said: “I consider myself to be truly privileged to be leading such an exceptional school that sits within such a strong community.

“I look forward to meeting staff over the summer term and to opening the doors in September to students and their families.

“I am particularly excited at the prospect of a return to the performing arts and school sports, along with the rich tradition of extra-curricular activities that underpin the wonderful experience of life at County Upper and that play such a vital role in uniting the school community.”

Tim Coulson, chief executive of Unity Schools Partnership, added: “We are delighted to appoint someone of the calibre of Sally Kennedy.

“She has strong experience of working in an outstanding school and we look forward to working with her, and supporting her, as she leads a new era at County Upper School.”

Ms Kennedy will be taking over from Vicky Neale who led the school with such distinction over the last 16 years – as part of her 29 years at the school.

Mrs Neale will be remaining with the trust until her retirement working with and across all of our sixth forms.

Prior to September, Nick Froy will be leading the school as headteacher for the summer term.