A NEW headteacher says it is a “privilege” to be taking over at Ashton-under-Hill First School – and says she will have very big boots to fill.

Sharon Cole, who has spent the past seven years as deputy head at Inkberrow First School, took over from Bryony Baynes at Ashton at the start of the summer term.

Forty-eight-year-old Mrs Cole said: “I’m really excited to be working with such a great team to take the school forward. I feel privileged to be taking over from Bryony and hers will certainly be very big boots to fill.

“She has provided me a great deal of support through the transition process, which I hope will be a smooth one for all concerned.”

Birmingham-born Mrs Cole says she has a passion for teaching and has taught children from nursery age to middle school. “I was attracted to Ashton because I wanted to take on the challenge of running a school and felt my experience matched the needs of the school,” she said.

“I also loved the fact that it has such strong links with the local community which I hope to preserve and develop further with the help of teachers, parents and governors.

Mrs Cole added: “Education should always be looking to the future and the Government has a new curriculum in mind, so we shall certainly be looking at that in detail.

“I want to ensure that our children have the richest possible learning experiences. I have very high expectations, a desire to deliver an exciting and diverse curriculum, as well as a strong belief in the importance of the basics.”