Last updated 09:45, Friday, 15 February 2008

A village school near Carlisle is entering a new era with a new head at the helm. Governors of Scotby School have appointed Carlisle-born Jackie Watson to take charge.

Keen: New Scotby headteacher Jackie Watson is focussing on greater creativity and raising the profile of PE and sport

The 38-year-old is no stranger to the 266-pupil primary school. She arrived seven years ago as deputy head after working in Bradford for eight years.

She became acting head in July 2005 when Ian MacKay, who was then headteacher, became embroiled in a long-running dispute.

After a number of independent hearings, Mr MacKay returned to work. He was also off work with a period of sickness.

Mr MacKay resigned from his post at the Church of England foundation school last summer.

Interviews for the new headship were held over two days last month.

Short-listed candidates were interviewed by governors and pupils who sit on the school council.

Miss Watson, mother to three-year-old twins, said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed head teacher and am looking forward to the challenges and excitement of this role.”

The school’s results have been improving in recent years and in December Miss Watson was pleased to see the school get its highest value added placing for Key Stage 2 league tables.

She said: “We were delighted and we’ve been improving year on year. We now are focussing on improving creativity and raising standards.

“We also want a much bigger focus on PE and sport.”

Miss Watson now leads a team of 33 staff at the primary for four- to 11-year-olds, 13 of whom are teachers.

Miss Watson went to Newlaithes infant and junior schools as a child before going to Morton School.

She then studied at Manchester University and did her post-graduate certificate in education at Leeds.

Parents have received letters from Miss Watson and chair of governors Julian Coulthard informing them of the appointment.

In his letter, Mr Coulthard said: “I wish to take this opportunity, on behalf of the whole school community, to wish Jackie every success in her new position. She is a calm, reflective and purposeful leader.

“She inspires those she works with, and I know she will continue to work tirelessly to take the school forward. She has set ambitious goals for our school.”

He added: “Thank you for your great patience over the past few months, while the selection process was evolving.

“Jackie’s appointment takes place with immediate effect and, in her own words, ‘the hard work continues immediately’.”