KING Edward’s Witley has appointed a new headteacher, effective from next September.

Joanna Wright was the unanimous choice of the board to take over the leadership of the school from long-serving current headmaster John Attwater, who has been at the helm for almost a decade and is taking up a new position as principal of King’s Ely.

Mrs Wright is currently deputy head at St Peter’s School, in York. Prior to that, she was deputy principal pastoral at Queenswood School, in Hertfordshire, a housemistress at St Edward’s, Oxford, and assistant director of the Stahl Theatre at Oundle School.

She has been a pupil and teacher in both independent and state sectors.

Mrs Wright said: “I feel privileged to take over the stewardship of King Edward’s, working with a dedicated team to fulfil the school’s future aspirations and ambitions – and ultimately carving out the next chapter of its illustrious history.

“I will continue to build on John Attwater’s successful work in steering the school to preserve its ethos, values and the founding principles originally defined at the time of its inception in 1553.

“The school is committed to ensuring all day and boarding pupils enjoy an excellent education by creating a coherent, connected community with opportunity and inclusivity at its core; this aligns deeply with my own values.”

Selection committee chairman Justine Voisin, added: “In Joanna we wholeheartedly believe we have found an educator and leader who will continue to develop King Edward’s.”