THE deputy head teacher of one of the UK’s most improved schools is settling in to her new role at the helm of The King Alfred School in Highbridge.

Denise Hurr was responsible for exam progression at the Priory Community School for eight years in nearby Westonsuper- Mare. The school was acclaimed nationally after being turned round to become a top performing school.

For the last three years Mrs Hurr has been head teacher at St Julian’s School in Newport which this summer achieved its best results ever with a 7% increase in the number of students achieving five GCSE A*-C grades including English and naths.

Now she is keen to continue the good work at the King Alfred School achieved by former head teacher Andy Owen, who left in the summer after four years in the role.

Today (Thursday) at 5.30pm Mrs Hurr will welcome hundreds of prospective students, their parents, carers and grandparents to view the school for themselves at the annual open evening.

She said: “I am delighted to be here.

The school has a wonderful feel and I look forward to working with our staff to achieve even more success.”

Mrs Hurr, who gained a music and drama degree from the Welsh College of Music and Drama and a PGCE in music from the Open University, has previously worked for NatWest Bank and Monks Park School in Bristol.