The new school year brought a new look for Cowling Primary as builders moved out and a new headteacher moved in.

Work to renovate the Victorian Gill Lane building was completed during the summer, and the school now boasts a modern sports floor in the hall.

Flooring in class one and the library were also modernised, while painters decorated Liz Antal’s class to create bright, welcoming surroundings.

Sue Marshall, an advanced skills teacher, was appointed headteacher following the retirement of Steven Smith at the end of last term.

She said: “The school looks fantastic, and the modernisation of the hall has provided us with wonderful facilities for gymnastics, dance, games and whole school events.

“I feel very proud and privileged to lead Cowling primary at such an exciting time. It is an aspirational school, and I have been made to feel very welcome by all the pupils, staff and parents.

“I am passionately committed to providing the very best education for our pupils. It is my aim to ensure every child at Cowling thrives and looks back on their primary years with very happy memories of fun-packed days filled with the excitement of discovering something new about the world around them.

“I hope to stimulate children’s curiosity and fire pupils up with an enthusiasm for learning, which will carry them into, and serve them well, throughout their secondary years.”