Pupils and parents at a school in the Swindon area have been invited to meet their new principal.

Highworth Warneford School will host an open evening on September 19, between 5pm and 7.30pm, for the school community to meet Sophie Hesten.

There will also be open mornings on October 15, 16 and 17.

Parents will be able to learn more about what the school offers, including its focus on expert subject knowledge.

The school said it encourages pupils to work hard to achieve their best results in academic, personal and social areas in an "inclusive and supportive atmosphere".

Ms Hesten said: "Everyone is very welcome to come along and see what we offer at Warneford and the changes that are being put in place this academic year.

"We are so proud of our ambitious and inspiring curriculum taught by experienced and dedicated staff in a warm and respectful environment.

"We are a fantastic choice for parents considering where to send their children to secondary school."

Ms Hesten began working at Highworth Warneford School at the start of the academic year, moving on from her role as vice principal at Lydiard Park Academy.

She replaces Andy Steele, who left the school to enjoy his retirement having overseen a programme aimed at raising standards and attainment which resulted in a strong set of GCSE results in 2023.

Speaking in May, when it was announced she would be joining the school, Ms Hesten said: “I feel extremely honoured and privileged to have been chosen to take on the new role.

"I have almost 25 years of education experience, the majority of my career has been spent in Swindon.

"I look forward to meeting parents, carers and pupils very soon and working with them to help our young people reach their full potential.”

The Park Academies Trust's interim CEO, James Nicholson, added: "Miss Hesten has already been working with Highworth Warneford as part of the trust's collaboration between our schools since September last year so she already knows many members of staff and pupils well.

"She will be a dedicated and committed principal and we look forward to seeing her taking the school from strength to strength.

"I would like to thank Andy Steele for all his hard work at Highworth Warneford. I know that everyone will miss him enormously and we all wish him the very best in his retirement.”