ST Benedict’s Catholic Primary School in Handforth has a new headteacher.

Hannah McGuire, who has been acting head of the school since September, officially took up the role this week.

Mrs McGuire, who lives locally, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been selected for this role.

“I’ve always felt honoured to be a part of this school and I am passionate about driving it forward.

“The children are keen to learn, the staff are highly dedicated and we have amazingly supportive parents.

“I’ve been a member of the local parish since I moved to the area, and I’ve always been impressed by how prized and supported the school is by the local parish community.

“I endeavour to work more closely with the parish of St Benedict’s and with the wider Handforth and Wilmslow community.”

Mrs McGuire joined the school in 2014 as a year 5 teacher, and was promoted to deputy head in 2015. Before joining St Benedict’s she worked at Mount Carmel in Blackley.

She has three years’ experience as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) and is also a language specialist, with a degree in Spanish and German; something she is keen to build on at St Benedict’s.

Of her ambitions for St Benedict’s future, she said: “I have many plans and ideas and want to harness the goodwill and enthusiasm which has been overflowing in the last few weeks.

“We have already come together as a community to create a beautiful outside classroom space, in memory of our lunchtime organiser Mrs Marchbank, and have more ideas to enhance the outdoor area of the school to take advantage of the wonderful space we have here.

“The staff are really rising to the challenge of creating more reading for pleasure areas and trying to create some fun and interactive spaces for children to enjoy. I think St Benedict’s will have a bright future.”

Chairman of governors Lucy Maudsley said: “After a rigorous and comprehensive selection process, in which a number of very good candidates were tested and interviewed over two days, Mrs McGuire was the unanimous choice of the panel and its advisors.

“Mrs McGuire has been with the school for five years and is deeply committed to the education of the pupils and engagement of the community at St. Benedict’s.

“She has already had a dynamic start to the year as acting headteacher, and will continue to enact her vision for the school with the full support of the governors and her staff team, who are delighted at her appointment.”