The new principal of Thurston Community College, near Bury St Edmunds, is Maéve Taylor, currently interim principal

A large secondary school has announced its permanent principal.

Maéve Taylor has been appointed as the new principal of Thurston Community College, near Bury St Edmunds.

Previous principal Nicki Mattin retired in December and governors appointed Maéve Taylor as the interim principal to lead the college from January until the end of the current academic year.

Chair of governors Robert Davie said that following a rigorous recruitment process, Ms Taylor will take up the permanent post from September 1, 2024.

In a letter to parents and students, Mr Davie said: “Ms Taylor is an experienced educator and school leader, and has already made a significant impact upon the day-to-day running of our college.

“She is currently on secondment to Thurston Community College through the Penrose Trust, having led Claydon High School since 2017 as headteacher and was previously their deputy head.”

He said Ms Taylor had successfully guided the school through an Ofsted inspection earlier this month and they await publication of the report.

Ms Taylor said: “I am delighted to be joining Thurston Community College and to be part of its long-term future. I have received a warm welcome from students, staff, parents, carers and the wider community.

“I am confident that, with all of this support, the school will build upon its current strengths to become a centre of excellence for students aged 11-16 in our main campus and the sixth formers on our Beyton campus.

“I look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 intake to the college and meeting students who are joining us in the sixth form alongside our current Year 11.

“Any families who would like to visit the school are invited to make contact and experience the warm welcome and view our excellent facilities on both campuses for themselves.”

Thurston Community College is a large secondary school with over 1500 students, comprising two campuses - in Thurston and Beyton.

The school, which is included in the government’s School Rebuilding Programme, is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary year.