A PRIMARY school in the Stroud area has appointed an inspiring new headteacher. 

St Matthew’s School C of E Primary School in Cainscross has announced Mrs Kelly Osborne-James as its new head. 

The head - who likes to be known as Mrs James - joined the school at the beginning of the month and has brought with her the joy of music, empathy and kindness.

She wanted to share her story to inspire others. 

Ms James said: "From the outset, I experienced the nurturing ethos created by wonderful caring children and a dedicated passionate staffing team.

"The Trust, governors and PTA are all determined to do their very best in helping each child flourish.

"As a child labelled as ‘FSM’ through my childhood, growing up in one of the most deprived south Wales valleys, I consider myself truly blessed to have been given opportunities to learn, study and achieve.

"None of which would not have been possible without God’s leading and a loving supportive family.

(Image: Supplied) "I was not predicted to pass many GCSEs, rarely contributed to learning and maintained a quiet persona.

"Through music though, I discovered a talent to play the piano and found an identify and inner confidence.

"I later went onto study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff before later embarking on teacher training.

"My family, hardworking and relentless in supporting, were not educated, not possessing GCSEs, with certainly no aspiration to go to university as this dream would have not been thought possible.

"My vision is for every child to be the best they can be – this means we have a duty and responsibility to provide the opportunities that will make this possible.

"As I shared with the staff – the most important letters in the word opportunity makes ‘unity’.

"To reference the DGAT mantra – we are better together.

"We must all believe and share in the school’s vision so staff and children can flourish, relentlessly looking for new ways to address weaknesses, remove barriers and celebrate strengths.

"This is an exciting next chapter for St. Matthew’s where we have the freedom to now focus on innovation, creativity and high-quality learning that is adaptive to the needs of our unique and talented pupils.

"We are driven to help our pupils today, to become the well-rounded, confident and curious learners as our citizens of tomorrow.

"I am very grateful for the warm welcome I have received both at school and in the local area.

"I believe the school is at the heart of the community and I am excited by the opportunities ahead for us to work collaboratively in service and for the greater good."