The Department of Education and Children is pleased to announce that Rose Burton has been appointed headteacher of Willaston Primary School with effect from September.
 
Mrs Burton has been the school’s deputy headteacher since 2009.
 
She will replace Keith Hardisty, who has headed the school since 1998 and who is retiring after 35 years in education.
 
Mrs Burton was born in Merseyside but moved to the Isle of Man shortly after and grew up in Port Erin. She was educated at Rushen Primary School, Castle Rushen High School and The Buchan School.
 
Mrs Burton graduated from the Liverpool Institute of Higher Education in 1989 with a Bachelor of Education honours degree in English and drama.
 
She returned to the Isle of Man and took up her first post as a newly qualified teacher at Manor Park Primary School. She then moved to Victoria Road Primary School and was appointed as key stage one co-ordinator. She continued her career in the same role at Ballacottier Primary School before being appointed deputy headteacher at Willaston. She gained her National Professional Qualification for Headship in 2012.
 
Mrs Burton said: ‘I really couldn’t be happier to be taking over the role of headteacher at Willaston School. I’m extremely proud to lead a school that has such warmth and character. To lead a team of committed teachers, passionate parents and talented, enthusiastic children is an honour.’
 
Mrs Burton is married with a son, Charlie who is at Lancaster University. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, visiting friends, walking and gardening.
 
Willaston School has 176 pupils on the register.