A head teacher who led a Blackburn school to achieve ‘outstanding’ status is to take on a new role in Cyprus.

Donna Simpson has been head teacher at Wensley Fold Church of England Primary Academy for seven years. Parents and pupils learnt of the news on Wednesday.

During her time at the school, Mrs Simpson has played a pivotal role in steering the institution towards ‘continuous excellence’, which saw the school rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in September.

Mrs Simpson said she was grateful for the ‘unwavering support’ she had received from staff, students, parents, and the wider community’.

Mrs Simpson will be assuming the role of assistant chief education officer for the Defence Children's Services in Cyprus. Here, she said she will be contributing to the education and well-being of children within the military and civil service community.

She said: "I am thrilled to embrace this opportunity to serve the educational needs of children within the defence community in Cyprus.

“It is a privilege to be part of a team dedicated to providing quality education to children whose parents serve in the defence forces."

Lancashire Telegraph: Headteacher Donna Simpson with pupils at Wensley Fold Academy

Under her leadership, Wensley Fold was commended for its ‘commitment to delivering high-quality education and holistic development for students’.

The governing body of Wensley Fold said in a statement: “We would like to extend our appreciation for Mrs Simpson’s exemplary leadership and extend best wishes for her future endeavours.

“The entire Wensley Fold community joins in extending heartfelt gratitude to Mrs Simpson for her outstanding contributions and wishes her every success in her new role which she starts after the Easter holidays.”

The recruitment process for a new head teacher will commence shortly, the school said.

Wensley Fold is one of the most distinctive primary schools in the borough, in that it is set within its own woodland area.

Mrs Simpson added: “Our school is a community that nurtures dreams, instils values, and celebrates diversity. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the belief that each student has the potential to make a positive impact on the world.

“I have made incredible memories of our beautiful school with a dedicated team of educators who tirelessly work to create an environment that fosters intellectual and personal growth. I will miss everyone immensely.”

In September the school, based off Manor Road which caters for 421 children, was deemed ‘outstanding’ in all categories at an inspection.

The report said at the time: “Classrooms sparkle with books, resources and images that fire pupils’ imagination. Pupils play happily outdoors in beautiful grounds that have far-reaching views of the world around them.”