THE BAY CE School's secondary site in Sandown has appointed a new head of school.

Teresa Westcott-Hayes, who has been leading the school since the departure of former head Nick Cousins in February, has been officially appointed by the governing board of the Cornerstone Federation.

Mrs Westcott-Hayes spent a number of years at secondary schools in Hampshire, which have undergone intensive change and have made remarkable progress.

She helped in moving Havant Academy from being in special measures to gaining an Ofsted ‘good’ rating, moving the school from being the second worst performing school in England in 2010 to winning the National Outstanding Progress Award in 2016.

Before joining The Bay CE School, Mrs Westcott-Hayes worked as the senior deputy headteacher at The Hamble School, which achieved a judgement of ‘outstanding’ for leadership and management.

In 2018, Mrs Westcott-Hayes also won the ‘education leadership’ category at the Hampshire Education Awards.

Executive headteacher, Duncan Mills, said: "I am absolutely thrilled to appoint Mrs Westcott-Hayes as head of school (secondary), and I have every confidence that she will lead the school in achieving the very best possible outcomes of all our students."

Mrs Westcott-Hayes said: "The Bay CE School is a special place to be. The passion for this school and this community is infectious.

"Being appointed as the head on the secondary site is a privilege. I get to work alongside the most dedicated students, parents/carers and staff.

"This community fought for our school for a reason. It is now the time to continue to work together to transform the educational offer within our local community.

"I have seen first-hand how bringing a group of people together and leading them towards a common goal can have a hugely positive impact.

"Alongside Duncan Mills and the governing board, I am committed to leading The Bay CE School into a position where everyone in our community excels.

"Finally, headship is a team game; having been with our staff and students since September, I am confident that we have the right team to drive the school forward, so that all students receive a consistently outstanding level of academic and cultural education, where aspirations are high and where effort, as well as outcomes, are celebrated."

The Bay CE School is part of the Cornerstone Federation, which also includes Niton Primary School.