The new headteacher of Sybil Andrews Academy has spoken of her excitement at leading the school – and continuing to foster strong relations with the local community.

Trenica King had initially joined the Bury St Edmunds school as interim headteacher after Andy Prestoe stepped down at half-term.

But after the school attracted a “strong calibre of shortlisted candidates”, Trenica has now been appointed as permanent headteacher with immediate effect.

She said: “I am thrilled to be appointed as I knew as soon as I started as interim headteacher, I wanted to stay here on a permanent basis.

“There is this lovely atmosphere from the first moment you walk into the building. I have been hugely impressed by the calibre of staff, there is a clear direction and passion among them and students are progressing very well.

“I am really excited and delighted that we can all start making an impact during the summer term before we take on an extra 200 students from September.

“I want to continue the good work that has gone on before me and I am looking forward to working with all the feeder primary schools and community partners.”

Trenica, a previous winner of the national Teacher of the Year award, has had 10 years of senior leadership experience in secondary schools, including three years as headteacher at New Rickstones Academy in Witham.

Asked about her aims for the school, she added: “A school can only become great when you have a strong working relationship between parents, students and staff all working together for the best interests of young people.

“I am really looking forward to meeting all the parents and other interested parties and we will be having some ‘meet the headteacher’ events in the near future.”

Paul Rayner, chair of governors, said: “We are delighted to appoint Trenica King as the new permanent headteacher of Sybil Andrews Academy following a thorough interview process.

“She was the outstanding candidate among a strong calibre of shortlisted applicants. She brings with her great experience and a huge amount of enthusiasm and vision for our school.

“We look forward to seeing the school continue to grow under her leadership.”