A STRUGGLING school has appointed a new head teacher in an attempt to guide students and staff upwards.

Governors at Longhill High School in Brighton have appointed Kate Williams as the new headteacher, but she will not take up her post until September.

Former head Haydn Stride resigned in November after eight years at the Falmer Road school - citing personal reasons.

In November 2014 the school was graded as requires improvement by Ofsted, a conclusion Mr Stride labelled “illogical” and “irrational” at the time before he lodged an official complaint.

The complaint was turned down by the education watchdog, and the school has been preparing for another Ofsted inspection.

Richard Bradford juggled his role as head of Dorothy Stringer to plug the gap while the school interviewed potential candidates and Ms Williams got the nod after impressing over a two-day recruitment process.

She said: “Thank you for a great two days.

“I am very happy to be taking up the post of headteacher and am very much looking forward to working with you all.”

Ms Williams has previously held positions in her career as head of year, head of maths and assistant headteacher and deputy headteacher.

A school spokeswoman said: “With support from the local authority, governors undertook a rigorous selection process, culminating in two days of activities, panels, presentations, interviews and deliberations.

“From an extensive field of high calibre candidates, governors are now delighted to announce that Kate Williams has been chosen to become the new headteacher of Longhill, commencing in September 2016.

“Kate Williams has an extensive background and a proven track record in raising standards and expectations in secondary schools.

“Kate is also involved in training middle and senior leaders for the institute of education.

“Kate has been a senior leader for six years and is delighted at the prospect of working alongside the students, staff, parents and governors at Longhill High School and the surrounding community.”