A WELCOME will be extended to new heads at three of the area's schools next term.At Winterton Primary School, head Patricia Thompson is leaving after more than 11 years.

A WELCOME will be extended to new heads at three of the area's schools next term.

At Winterton Primary School, head Patricia Thompson is leaving after more than 11 years.

Staff, children and parents are bidding farewell to Mrs Thompson, 54, who is taking up the headship at Wroughton First School, Gorleston.

Her successor has just been named as Richard Endall,

the present head at Fleggburgh Primary School.

Mrs Thompson oversaw an increase in pupil numbers at the school, which changed from a first to a primary last September.

She said: “The community is very involved in the school. It is at the heart of the village, and everyone who visits says what a wonderful atmosphere there is here.

“I was particularly proud of our last Ofsted report, which judged the school to be good with outstanding features.

“It is sad to be going, and it feels that I am leaving part of myself behind.

“I have put so much into the school, but it is a good time to leave and pass it on to someone else and I am excited by the new challenge.”

Mr Endall is also looking forward to his next headship after leading Fleggburgh Primary since 2004.

“Winterton is a very good school with an excellent reputation, and I wanted the opportunity to improve my management skills,” he said.

“Of course, I will be very sorry to be leave Fleggburgh - there is a very good staff team, lovely children and supportive parents who

have brought the school forward.”

Current Wroughton school head Alison Clarke will be leaving after four years to run Larkman Primary School in Norwich.

She said: “Working here has been fantastic. There has

been a lot of innovation, particularly with the excellence cluster.

“I am proud of improving attendance at the school.

“There is a fantastic team here, and we have good communication with parents.”