Helston’s secondary school is to get its first ever female headteacher.

Donna Bryant has been appointed as the next head of Helston Community College.

She is due to take up the post in September, with current post-holder Dr Pat McGovern continuing the role until after the exam results are published in August.

Falmouth Packet:

Ms Bryant is currently headteacher at Liskeard School and Community College.

It states on the school’s website that she specialises in English and drama, with RE and geography as secondary subjects.

Dr McGovern said he had known Ms Bryant for a number of years, after she was on his staff when he was headteacher at Penair School.

Ms Bryant worked there between 1988 and 1994, where she taught English, drama and ICT (information and communications technology), later becoming their ICT co-ordinator.

Dr McGovern said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It was a rigorous process and we had a good, strong field of candidates. Donna shone through.”

Her appointment was made by the governors following a three-day interview process last week.

“I’m sure she will take Helston onto even greater heights. It’s the start of a new adventure for the college. We share a common vision for education,” added Dr McGovern.

Writing to the college’s community representatives, who heard presentations from the candidates, chairman of the governors Graham Vallender said: “I am sure you will wish to join our entire college community in congratulating Donna on her appointment, and wish her every success. I know, too, that you will give her your wholehearted support as she takes on her new role.”

He also paid tribute to Dr McGovern, saying: “Dr Pat McGovern has been headteacher at Helston Community College for the past 11 years. His vision and leadership have shaped our college, brought it considerable success in so many ways, and made it the extraordinary and exciting place for our students to flourish that it is today.

“He will, indeed, be a hard act to follow, and we all owe him a huge debt of gratitude.”

Following her time at Penair Ms Bryant moved to Wadebridge School in 1994 as deputy head of the English faculty, then between 1999 and 2007 she worked at Camborne School and Community College where she was head of English and creative arts, and later became deputy head at the school.

After becoming head of Liskeard School and Community College, she was made director of the main Schools Co-operative Society in autumn 2012, having been a founder member of the steering group for the South West Regional Board of the society.