A Welwyn Garden City school is welcoming a new headteacher, who herself is a mother to three children of secondary school age.

From September 2018, Stanborough School will have a new headteacher following the retirement of current headteacher Peter Brown after 15 years.

Merry John, who is a maths graduate from Lancaster University and has 23 years’ experience working in schools, will take over as the new headteacher.

She has worked in Monmouth Comprehensive School, Wales, Vyners School, Ickehnam and Nicholas Breakspear School, St Albans.

Mrs John is currently the sole deputy headteacher at Nicholas Breakspear School, which is currently rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

Following a “rigorous” two-day selection process governors gave Mrs John the role due to her “infectious passion for excellence in education” combined with her strategic vision with “great energy and personal warmth”.

Mrs John said she is “delighted and honoured” to have been appointed the role.

She said: “I have an unshakable belief in every student, each with their own gifts, talents, challenges and aspirations and I am genuinely looking forward to working with the dedicated team of staff and the wider community to help inspire our students to achieve the very best in everything they strive for.”

Mrs John has been educated in three countries; her secondary school experience in Nigeria, followed by her A-Levels in India and degree in the UK.

She added: “It has enabled me to appreciate various cultures and backgrounds but has also provided me with an insight into the positive differences in the education system in these three countries.

“My principles, values and ethos as an educational leader have been shaped by these experiences.”

She is a mother of three children, all of secondary school age and has been happily married for nearly 20 years.

In her spare time, she enjoys long distance running and has taken part in a number of competitive races.

Mrs John continued: “Stanborough School is already a good school with a delightful community feel and I am determined that together we will build upon the fantastic work of my predecessor Mr Brown, the staff, students and governors as we develop the vision to help each and every child in our care fulfil their dreams.

“I look forward to meeting you all once I take up my post in September.”

Neil Hounsom, chair of governors, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mrs John to Stanborough as our new headteacher.

“We had a very strong field of applicants for the position but it was clear that Mrs John was the candidate who had the qualities and vision to take Stanborough into the next chapter of its history following the excellent work of Mr Brown over the past 15 years.”