A principal has been appointed to head Bournemouth’s newest school.

Terry Conaghan will take the lead at Parkfield New School when it opens its doors in September.

Parkfield will be a free school, meaning it will not be under the control of the local authority.

It will operate a Montessori-based education in the primary years and will offer the International Baccalaureate in the secondary stage.

Mr Conaghan, who was previously a deputy head at a school in Swindon, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity to develop a new school in a way that suits the learning needs of your children, but also the needs of the parents.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the parents and children of Bournemouth and Poole – I have every confidence that this is the start of something special.”

Open events for prospective parents are due to be held at The Life Centre, 711-715 Wimborne Road, Winton this week at 6.30-8.30pm on February 9 and 10.30am-12.30pm on February 10.