SCHOOL governors have commended their newly-appointed head teacher for his ability to deal with ‘numerous difficulties with ease’.

Chetwynde School has announced Stephen Jefferson has been appointed permanent head of school beginning from September.

Mr Jefferson has been at the helm of the school, which teaches four to sixteen-year-olds, since September 2019 as acting head.

The school’s governors praised Mr Jefferson saying he had demonstrated excellent leadership skills and shown commitment and determination from the outset.

This has been demonstrated particularly during a time of unprecedented activity for the school, which has acted as a Hub School for key workers.

Chair of Governors Leon Walters said: “Steve has had an excellent first year in charge of the school and has managed numerous difficulties with ease, not least of these being the current pandemic.

“He brings experience, stability and a real sense of purpose to the role and I am sure there are exciting developments ahead.”

Mr Jefferson has continued to work with his senior leadership team and staff throughout the pandemic to ensure the continued safety, wellbeing and education of Chetwynde pupils.

Mr Jefferson said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed as head of Chetwynde School.

“It has been a year of many challenges, but the response from the Chetwynde Community during the Covid-19 crisis has cemented my belief in what a special place Chetwynde is. We are a family, we support each other and I’m proud to say that I am now the head of school.”

Mr Jefferson has worked at Chetwynde since 2013. Previously he had worked for four years as assistant head in a residential school.

Since joining Chetwynde he has held a number of key roles, including head of key stage three, designated safeguarding lead and deputy head of school.

Mr Jefferson’s predecessor, Siân Jeffreys, left the school to pursue a new life teaching in Myanmar after twenty five years at Chetwynde.