THE deputy of a Darwen primary school has been promoted after the former headteacher left following suspension.

Vicky Weddle, 48, had been acting headteacher at St Peter’s Primary School in Turncroft Road since former head Michele Tracey was suspended last June.

As reported in the Lancashire Telegraph at the time, Mrs Tracey was told not to return to the school pending a full investigation amid concerns over leadership.

Mrs Tracey’s departure from the school was confirmed in September.

Mrs Weddle’s permanent appointment brings an end to a period of uncertainty at the school and, she said, there was a positive atmosphere around the school.

“There has been quite a change in the mood and environment at the school,” she said. “We have started a programme of redecorating to make the place look a bit tidier.

“I know the staff and I feel we have a really good team here. I have the full support of everyone as we look to move the school forward.”

The school received a ‘requires improvement’ after its last Ofsted inspection and Mrs Weddle said she wanted to quickly improve.

Mrs Weddle added: “My aim is to make this an outstanding school. I want it to be the best in Darwen.” Originally from the Midlands but now living in Darwen, Mrs Weddle has worked at St Peter’s since getting her first permanent teaching job at the school in 2006.

She was deputy for three years before being appointed as headteacher.

She said: “I am St Peter’s through and through.”

Other schools in the town have recently announced they are to become academies but Mrs Weddle said at the moment there were no such plans for St Peter’s. Outside of the classroom, Mrs Weddle enjoys walking, running and sports, such as netball.

She is married to Peter and has three daughters, Lucy, 20, Rosie, 18, and Emma, 15, and a dog, Oscar.