A new headteacher is taking over at the helm of Shropshire’s second-largest high school.

Sarah Longville is the new headteacher of The Marches School and Technology College in Oswestry, having been head of humanities there between 1999 and 2004.

The married mother of two said: “It’s such an exciting place to be. The staff and students are extremely positive. I feel excited and delighted.”

Mrs Longville started her teaching career in 1992 at Riddlesdown High School, Surrey and became head of history, before moving on to Frank F Harrison School in Walsall where she was headed the history department and the sixth form.

After leaving The Marches, she went on to Haywood High School in Hereford, now named The Hereford Academy.

The new year is already starting on a high for the school after clinching International School Status, in recognition of its global curriculum and projects, and giving students the experience of visiting other countries.

Mrs Longville said: “It’s a real thrill to have got this job and to be part of such a welcoming community.”

This week at The Marches sees amateur dramatics group Big Cigar Productions perform Key For Two, which Mrs Longville attended.

She said: “It was brilliant – a good old British farce, it was superb. In the interval people came up to me and welcomed me. It was lovely to meet the local people.”