THE acting headteacher at St Thomas' Church of England Primary School in Douglas has been appointed headteacher of the school.

Mrs Baker succeeds Jonathan Ayres, headteacher at St Thomas' for five years, who took over the headship of Arbory Primary School at the start of the spring term.

Mrs Baker graduated from Digby Stuart College, Roehampton Institute of Higher Education in 1987 with a B.ED hons degree in Primary Education and History.

She moved to the Island 24 years ago and took up her first post at St Mary's RC school.

She then went on to teach at Anagh Coar and Scoill Vallajeelt primary schools before becoming deputy headteacher and acting headteacher of St Thomas' where she has been for the last three and a half years.

Mrs Baker said: "I am really excited and honoured about the prospect of being headteacher of St Thomas' School.

"I am keen to build on its strengths as a nurturing Christian community as well as continuing to lead a great team of dedicated staff.

"I envisage working alongside parents and governors to provide a first class education for the children in the school."

Mrs Baker lives in Douglas with her three children. She is very interested in Manx History, is a member of the Isle of Man Permaculture Association and enjoys walking, reading and spending time with her children and grandchild.