A FORMER pupil has taken over as headteacher at a school she attended as a child. 

Claire Pearce was so inspired by her own teacher Ann Munns while at Bemerton St John’s C of E School in Lower Bemerton when young that it planted the seed to embark upon her own journey of learning.

Salisbury Journal: Image Claire PearceImage Claire Pearce (Image: Claire Pearce)

Claire has been teaching at the school since 2011 and has been deputy head since 2015, and has now been promoted to the role of headteacher.

Claire said: “I have this extra connection to the school, a heightened passion, it’s lovely. I think this is a very special place.

“I talk to the children about it and want to instil in them the passion that they can be whatever they aspire to be.”

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Claire is determined that the children at the school will flourish and reach their full potential and believes that being the head teacher at the school is a tremendous honour.

Having shown some of the children a photo of herself as a pupil at the school, some of the children guessed it was her but many were in awe. 

Claire said: "I’m very excited about our new chapter and the opportunity to build on our existing achievements and successes.”

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Claire spoke about the controversy facing schools and Ofsted inspections currently and the pressure that teachers can face.

“We are part of the Magna Learning Trust and there are six primary schools, three secondary schools and a Salisbury sixth form and we have a real support network. I feel confident in my new role and I have all the people working here around me, and well-being is at the forefront of these discussions.

“Ofsted is stressful for everyone but I feel well supported. Our school is doing well, and we have lots of positive things to share.”

Magna Learning Trust's CEO Sarah Busby said: “We are delighted to appoint a former pupil of the school to the role of Headteacher for Bemerton St John Primary School. We know that Mrs Pearce will provide an excellent role model for our children and who knows, could inspire a future Headteacher for the school?’