HASLINGDEN Primary School has appointed a new acting headteacher.

Glyn Ellis has taken up the role ahead of the departure of the current head, Julie Burnside, in July.

Mrs Burnside has been offered the post of executive principal at the Pendle Education Trust, which will oversee several schools’ transitions into academies. She said: “While this is a very exciting new job opportunity for me, I have had to think carefully about leaving Haslingden as I have worked here with wonderful staff and children for 12 happy years and feel I know so many families very well.

“I will be very sorry to leave this wonderful school in July at the end of the summer term.”

The school currently has 400 pupils on its roll and last week hosted an information evening for parents of children starting at the Ryefield Avenue school in September.

Mr Ellis said: “It is with great honour and respect that I take on the responsibility of the post of acting headteacher in the school. The governors of the school are currently recruiting for a permanent headteacher and the result of the selection process should be known by the end of the term.

“In the meantime, I will continue to lead the school to the best of my ability.”

Karen Johnson has taken on the role of acting deputy headteacher.