TWO schools in Worcester and Droitwich have welcomed new headteachers.

Ange Beddow has taken over as the new headteacher at Perry Wood Primary School, in St Alban's Close, with Kay Butler taking on the role as her new deputy.

Meanwhile, at Droitwich Spa High School, Natalie Waters has replaced Allan Foulds as headteacher.

Mrs Beddow was previously headteacher at Abbey Park First School in Pershore for four years. She has now replaced Elaine Huntington at Perry Wood.

She said: "I am extremely fortunate to be commencing my role together with my new deputy. This is a unique situation for both of us to commence an exciting new partnership in the life of Perry Wood."

Mrs Butler has moved to the school from Matchborough First School in Redditch.

"We are both delighted to be here at Perry Wood alongside a very hardworking and dedicated staff and wonderful children," Mrs Beddow said. "We can't believe how welcome everybody has made us feel. We look forward to working together and forming strong links with all our parents and the community."

Natalie Waters was deputy headteacher at Pershore High School for eight years before becoming headteacher at Droitwich. She said: "This is a good school and I'm really pleased to be here.

"It's a very vibrant place and I hope it will become even more successful."

Mrs Waters has been in the teaching profession for 18 years, having previously worked at two schools in Gloucestershire before coming to Worcestershire.

She is a teacher of French and Russian and said she hoped to continue teaching once settled in her new role.

* Hanley Castle High School has received a certificate from the Celebration of High Performance for Specialist Schools and Academies, following last summer's GCSE results.

The school, near Upton-upon-Severn, achieved a 60 per cent pass rate of five or more grade A* to Cs, including English and maths.