Stockland C of E Primary Academy and the Diocese of Exeter have welcomed a new head of school this week.

Beccy Bendall was officated with a commissioning service at St Michael and All Angels church.

The service was an opportunity for the parish, staff, parents and pupils to welcome and affirm Miss Bendall in her role as head of school.

The service delivered by Rev’d Julie Lomas, Minister of Religion (Church of England) and Priest in charge of the Five Alive Mission Community including Stockland Church.

She said: “On behalf of all of us in the church and community here in Stockland we are thankful to God for bringing Miss Bendall to our school.

“During the service we promised to hold her, and all who attend the school in any capacity, in our thoughts and prayers, and we are looking forward to working closely together for the benefit of our young people, the staff team and our community.”

The service included readings delivered by a number of pupils from Stockland Primary Academy, prayers were shared, gifts were presented and there was some singing.

Miss Bendall was also presented with the keys to Stockland Primary symbolising the responsibility entrusted by Caroline Lancey, Associate Head of Accelerated Learning from The Redstart Learning Partnership.

Caroline said: "It was such a privilege to be a part of Miss Bendall’s first steps on her journey of Headship at Stockland Church of England Primary Academy."

Miss Bendall said: "I feel extremely privileged to be Head of School at Stockland C of E Primary Academy and the Commissioning Service to mark my appointment was wonderful.

"To be joined by the children, staff, parents and members of the community was really special. The children performed their readings beautifully and were a credit to the school."

The service was a opportunity to demonstrate the schools commitment to working together with Beccy in her new, permanent role as Head Of Stockland Primary Academy: the schoolchildren, their families, staff , Exeter Diocese Education Department, together with The Redstart Learning Partnership, local villages, communities and church members pledging their support.