Sue Varley moves from Chalgrove Primary School in Oxfordshire, where school inspectors said she was a “very strong leader”, although the school was only “satisfactory”.

Late last year, the Winchcombe merger was opposed by some staff, parents and governors, and the council failed to deliver consultation forms to all affected homes. But the merger was agreed earlier this year by an independent panel.

Sue Varley said: "I am delighted to have been selected for this post. It is a very exciting time for the Winchcombe schools, and I'm looking forward to helping make the very best of the opportunities the new school will offer."

Her initial role will be to help governors recruit a deputy headteacher, and to realign the school, which is going from 485 pupil capacity to 315, so West Berkshire Council can meet government targets on how many spare places schools are allowed to have.

The council also suggested that results will improve at the merged school.

John Softley, Chairman of the school's temporary governing body added: "With the appointment of Sue, the Temporary Governing Body is now in a position to move forward on many other important aspects of setting up the new school. We will start by holding meetings so that parents can meet Sue and the Governors and get an update on the latest actions and decisions."

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/101/101309.pdf

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/109/109823.pdf