A NEW executive headteacher has started work at a Stourbridge school.

Joanna Turner has been appointed at Gig Mill Primary after it became a part of the Hales Valley Academy Trust.

In her new role she will oversee Gig Mill as well as Lapal Primary in Halesowen and Woodside Primary in Dudley as strategic lead.

Mrs Sam Griffiths will serve as the Head of School at Gig Mill, managing day-to-day operations.

Joanna said: "I'm dedicated to providing children with the best opportunities to excel and am committed to fostering a caring, friendly, and nurturing environment where pupils can develop socially, academically, and emotionally.

"I believe in creating an inspiring and relevant curriculum that equips children with the knowledge and skills they need for life beyond school."

One of Gig Mill School's upcoming plans under her leadership includes expanding its nursery provision to offer 30 hours of free childcare, and Joanna welcomes any new families interested in exploring this opportunity or joining the school.

With 23 years of experience in education, she has taught across the primary age range and supported schools throughout the local authority.

For the past 12 years, she has served as a head of school and headteacher.

Most recently, she has been the Executive Headteacher at both Lapal Primary School and Woodside Primary School, also part of the Hales Valley Trust.

Under her leadership, Lapal achieved an Outstanding Ofsted rating, while Woodside improved to a Good rating.

She said: "I'm now looking forward to guiding Gig Mill in its continued school improvement journey, building on its current successes."