THE head of a Worcestershire school is changing her career path by swapping a classroom of youngsters with governors.

Sue Hughes is leaving St Barnabas CE First and Middle School in Drakes Broughton, near Pershore, at Christmas.

She will be taking up a role with Birmingham City Council as its governor training and development officer.

"I'd never have left to go to another headship," said Mrs Hughes.

"St Barnabas is a lovely school and I've been lucky to be here for five-and-a-half-years.

"It's been lovely to see how children have developed over the years and how the school has changed.

"Although taking over a headship is a change from being deputy head, this will be a bigger change."

Since Mrs Hughes arrived the school has started having regular jazz workshops and has taken part in Voices and Visions.

It has also set up links with schools in Finland, France and Spain.

"We've a superb team approach," said Mrs Hughes, who is 46. "They work so well together. It's a lovely atmosphere to work in and the children benefit.

"The staff are a most important resource and they've gone from strength to strength. We laugh a lot."