Sarah takes up new headteacher role

Children on the school council interviewed Mrs Bell before she was appointed as the new head at Reedley Primary School, and told her they would like more after-school activities.

Now they are buzzing with excitement, and cannot wait to join in.

“The school council were very impressive when they questioned me as part of the interview,” said Mrs Bell.

“It’s a case of listening to pupils and trying to put things in place while giving them the best education and having the highest standards.

“This is the best job in the world, seeing children grow and develop. It’s fantastic. I greet them every morning at the gate and I’ve been made so very welcome by their families.”

The recently extended school now has 350 pupils in 12 classes with a combined teaching and assistant staff of 25.

New innovations include a breakfast club and lunch and after-school clubs for engineering, sports, crafts, drama and jewellery making.

PE classes, after school and lunchtime sports activities will have the assistance of a coach from Burnley Football Club and the engineering club will be part of “Making it in Burnley” STEM educational scheme. It encourages youngsters to learn new skills in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Clitheroe born and raised Mrs Bell attended St Augustine’s RC High School, Billington, and trained at Ambleside. She specialises in English and also enjoys maths. Before joining Reedley she was the head teacher at Springfield Primary School in Burnley,

In her spare time, there is nothing she likes more than cycling and mountain biking, and climbing Pendle Hill with her family and their chocolate Labrador, Bower. She and her engineer husband, Keith, have two children, who are both in high school.