THE new executive headteacher at two South Somerset primary schools has thanks pupils and parents for their "fantastic welcome".

Connel Boyle took up the post at the Three Saints Federation, comprising Shepton Beauchamp Church School and St Mary and St Peter’s Church School, Ilton, at the start of this school year last week.

Previously at Locking Primary School Weston-super-Mare, Mr Boyle is no stranger to South Somerset as he was headteacher at Neroche Primary School from 2011 until 2019.

He said: “I am so excited to take up my new post in South Somerset and am delighted to be joining two very close-knit village primary schools.

"The parents and children have given me a fantastic welcome and we enjoyed a super first week together.

"With the anticipated, continued relaxation of Covid restrictions, I really want our schools to be as welcoming as possible and re-establish themselves at the heart of our communities, welcoming parents and carers back into the schools."

Both schools are busy organising events for their children, which will include visiting the Festival of the Moon at Wells Cathedral, a celebration event based upon celebrating the first moon landings.

The children, in addition to the visit, will be providing artwork for the festival.

Both schools are also gearing up for the resumption of swimming for all children as soon as the new pool development in Chard is completed.

During the summer holidays, due to careful management of the school’s finances by the governing body, the two schools have invested in a number of key developments, which include:

  • new outdoor classrooms;
  • improvements for outdoor playing spaces;
  • upgrading of the school’s wi-fi system and investment in a new nests of laptops for the children.

Mr Boyle is inviting anyone in the community considering sending their children to either school to contact the school to arrange a visit - phone on 01460 240793 or by e-mail via office@threesaints.bwmat.org