KATHARINE Anstey has celebrated 20 years in teaching by taking up a new post as head of highly-rated first school.

She has taken the helm at Wimborne St John's First School, rated outstanding by government inspection body Ofsted.

Katharine takes over from previous headteacher Liz West who is the chief executive officer of Wimborne Academy Trust (WAT), the multi-academy which consists of seven first and middle schools, including St John’s.

She said: "I’m proud and delighted to be appointed – it’s a privilege to lead an outstanding school. The children, staff, parents, governors and everyone at the Trust are all absolutely fantastic and our caring ethos makes it a very special place to work."

Originally from Swanage, Katharine taught in London and Devon before returning to Dorset as a class teacher at St John's in 2010. She became deputy head in 2014.

She added: "I’m very much looking forward to my new role and continuing to maintain the very high standards that have been put in place."

St John’s First School is one of seven First and Middle schools in WAT, along with Allenbourn Middle School, Colehill First School, Hayeswood First School, Merley First School, St Michael's CE Middle School and Witchampton CE First School. All of its academies are rated either Good or Outstanding.

WAT’s CEO, Liz West, said: "Katharine is a dedicated teacher and an exceptional leader and it was these qualities that helped her to stand out in the appointment process.

"I know from my many years of working at St John’s what a wonderful school it is and in Katharine they have a wonderful head to match."