A DALTON school has announced it is getting a new headteacher.

Dowdales School has named Emma Aubrey as its new head to succeed Julie O'Connor.

Miss Aubrey will start her new position at the beginning of the next school year on September 3,

Governors who selected her said she was committed to "Dowdales values".

Caren Hindle, chair of governors at Dowdales School said: "We are delighted to appoint Emma as headteacher.

"She is completely committed to further raising standards across all areas of school life and to the Dowdales values that define the character of our school and its students.

"The governors, as I am sure all staff will be, are looking forward to working closely with Emma to ensure Dowdales continues to be the good school Ofsted have confirmed we are and to take it to the next level.

Miss Aubrey said of the news: "I am both thrilled and delighted to accept the position of headteacher at Dowdales School.

"I view the opportunity to be headteacher here at Dowdales as a real privilege.

"I am looking forward to, and I am very excited about working with a strong staff team, our students, our parents and our entire community to continue to offer our students the highest quality of care and education."

Current headteacher Ms O’Connor said: "I am delighted for Emma.

"She is passionate about Dowdales, its students, staff and our community.

"Her work is driven by moral purpose, clear values and ambitious standards and she will be an excellent headteacher for the school.”

The school was praised by Ofsted inspectors after their latest visit in November.

Inspectors graded the school as 'very good' for the third time in a row.

They said staff at Dowdales ‘clearly promote a culture where students come first’.

The school had 982 pupils at the last Ofsted count.