THE current headteacher of St Thomas' Church of England School in Douglas has been appointed headteacher of Arbory Primary School with effect from January 2011.

Jonathan Ayres succeeds Phil Manton who is retiring in December after four years in charge at Arbory and 35 years in teaching.

The Department of Education and Children will shortly advertise for a new headteacher for St Thomas' School.

After completing his first year of teaching on the Wirral Mr Ayres was appointed to the Island’s Primary Modern Languages team in 1991.

He went on to teach at Willaston and Ballacloan schools before taking up the post of deputy headteacher of St Thomas' School in 2004.

A year later he was promoted to headship and has led the school for just over five years.

Mr Ayres: "I am really excited about the prospect of working at Arbory School and building strong links with the parents and the wider community.

"Of course I am very sad to leave the children and parents of St Thomas' as I have had a wonderful time leading a very special school.

"I would like to thank everyone for the support they have given me during my time as headteacher. I now look forward to leading another unique school within a special community."

Mr Ayres is married to Sara, who is also a teacher, and they have three daughters.

He is a fluent Manx speaker and plays hockey for Castletown Hockey Club. Mr Ayres is also involved with the children's work at the Living Hope Church in Peel. He is a member of the church.