A CATHOLIC school set to open in Rhyl has confirmed its very first headteacher this week.

Amanda Preston will take charge of the Christ the Word 3-16 school, which will open its doors in September.

The school will be part of the Diocese of Wrexham and will cater to 420 full time pupils aged 3-11, as well as 500 pupils aged 11-16.

It has been funded in partnership by Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Government through its 21st Century Schools Programme.

Christ the Word Catholic School will replace Ysgol Mair and Blessed Edward Jones Catholic High School. The building programme is progressing well and remains on target.

Mrs Preston, who is currently deputy headteacher of Elfed High School in Buckley and has been teaching for over 20 years in total, said: "I am hugely excited and immensely privileged to have been appointed as the first Headteacher of Christ the Word Catholic School.

“During my teaching career I have held several senior leaderships posts, including acting headteacher, deputy headteacher, assistant headteacher and Head of Mathematics.

Mrs Preston graduated from Strathclyde University with a Masters in Engineering. She has held responsibility for a number of key aspects of school leadership including standards and progress in Skills, Curriculum and Wellbeing.

“My immediate priority will be to ensure that both children and staff are settled and happy in our new school," She added.

“I am passionate about learning and believe that, as well as ensuring outstanding educational provision across the board, a truly outstanding community school needs to nurture confidence and resilience in young people so that they are able to meet life’s challenges with enthusiasm.

“I believe that children need a secure foundation from which to grow and flourish, in all areas, and I am so looking forward to leading Christ the Word Catholic family."

Gill Greenland, Chair of the Temporary Governing Body, added: “This is really positive and exciting news for the new school. We look forward to welcoming Amanda to our community as a new chapter in Catholic education begins in Rhyl.”