MALVERN Wells Primary School will have a new headteacher from the start of next term - Thursday, January 9.

He is Kevin Wright, previously deputy head at Bosbury Primary.

Mr Wright, who has taught at the school for two and a half years, said he was sad to be leaving.

"I owe a lot to Bosbury Primary for giving me the necessary experience for the role of headteacher," he said. "I'll miss everyone here but I'm excited and delighted about my new appointment."

A former sales representative, Mr Wright retrained as a teacher in 1991. He taught in Birmingham before moving to the area six years ago. He was at at Brockhampton Primary School for three years, then moved to Bosbury Primary to become deputy head. He lives in Bromyard.

"I'm very grateful to be taking over a school that has been very ably led," he said. "I'm looking forward to working with the teachers, parents and governors at Malvern Wells to maintain and exceed their already excellent standards."

The previous head of Malvern Wells, Dorothy Rickarby, left in July to join the inspectorate of the Worcestershire Local Education Authority. Margaret Buchanan, the current deputy head, has been acting headteacher.

Mrs Buchanan said she had enjoyed leading the school over the past term but was looking forward to Mr Wright's arrival.