THE start of this month saw hundreds of nervous Year 7 pupils all leaving the comfort of their primary schools to start at bigger and more daunting high schools.

But youngsters should spare a thought for six new teachers at St George's High School in Blackpool, who have also started afresh and are in the same boat, having to get to know new colleagues and children.

Headteacher Elizabeth Warner explained that the six new recruits are led by the new deputy head Sean Bullen. There is a new member of staff for science and maths in the form of Monica Smirk, while Janet Holland is the new linguist. Chris Gill and Graham Warnock are both new geography teachers and the new technology specialist is Martin Sweeney. Mrs Warner said she was delighted to welcome her "close season signings", and added: "For the third year running we have been recruiting new staff because we're committed to small classes and specialist teachers." She went on to say how well the new recruits had settled in: "They've all done very well. There's an awful lot that's new to get used to but they seem to have settled down very well.

"We've already had very good reports from the children and even one comment from a parent. They are all still here after one week, so that's a good sign!"

New deputy head Sean Bullen was also pleased with his new appointment, which marks the first time in 20 years that someone new has joined the school at senior level. Before his new position, Sean taught at Hodgson High school in Poulton and Carr Hill in Kirkham.