A BOARDING school in Reading has announced it will be welcoming a new headteacher.

Elaine Purves will succeed Julia Harrington as the next Head of Queen Anne’s School.

Elaine will join Queen Anne’s in January 2022 following her current Headship at St. John’s International School in Belgium.

Queen Anne's School said: "At St. John’s, Elaine’s confidence and enthusiasm has seen the school go from strength to strength in providing outstanding pastoral care and a forward-thinking education.

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"She has extensive experience in school leadership having also previously been Head of Rossall School and Head of Ipswich High School, as well as five years as Deputy Head at the Royal High School, Bath, GDST."

Fluent in German, Elaine is a linguist and began her career as a teacher of Modern Languages.

She graduated from the University of Hull with a joint honours degree in English and German before completing a PGCE at the University of Durham.

Elaine said: “I am very excited to have been appointed to this role and look forward to starting at Queen Anne's School and returning home to the UK.

"Queen Anne’s is a well-known and respected school with a bright future.

"I will be delighted to lead it during the next phase of its development and look forward to getting to know the school community.”

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Jonnie Noakes, Chair of Queen Anne’s School Council, added: “The candidate pool was of an extremely high standard and we are very fortunate to have appointed such an experienced Head with a strong track record.

"We are confident that Elaine will provide outstanding leadership and that she understands the values and ethos of our school.

"We look forward to welcoming Elaine to the Queen Anne’s community along with her husband and two children.”