A STROUD school has made history in its new headteacher appointment.  

Following an extensive recruitment process, The Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust says it is delighted to announce that it has appointed Mrs Jules Godfrey as principal of Marling School.

She will also be the school’s first ever permanent female principal. 

Mrs Godfrey, who will be joining Marling School after the Easter break, is currently completing a doctorate at Bristol University, where she is also a lecturer.

Prior to this she was a deputy headteacher at an independent school and deputy headteacher at Bourneside School in Cheltenham.

She has worked in both the private and state education sectors and was educated at both Cambridge and Oxford Universities.

Ms Godfrey has also passed the prestigious bar exams to become a Barrister and practised as such early in her career.

She said: "I am thrilled to be joining the team at Marling School.

Stroud News and Journal: Jules Godfrey has been appointed as the new headteacher at Marling School"Marling is an inspiring institution, steeped in tradition and I am conscious of both the need to maintain the prestige of this historic school and the need to ensure school improvement remains at the forefront of our strategic priorities.

"I am looking forward to working with the whole school community to write the next chapter in Marling’s history."

Mr Nigel Riglar, Chair of Trustees, said: "I am so pleased to welcome Mrs Godfrey as the new Principal at Marling School.

"Her strong leadership qualities and commitment to the education of young people and enhancing their learning journey is inspirational.

"This a such a key appointment and I am overjoyed that we have recruited so successfully.

"Mrs Godfrey has demonstrated to us that she has tenacity, drive and is incredibly well informed in today’s current educational climate.

"She brings passion and an unwavering commitment to excellent quality of education, making her the ideal candidate to drive Marling School forward into a new phase.

"This brings a new and exciting era for Marling School as Mrs Godfrey will also be the school’s first ever permanent female principal."