New free school will be 'for the community' says first headteacher

A new free school in Maidenhead has appointed its first head teacher.

Gemma Donnelly will join Braywick Court School, which opens in September in Hibbert Road.

She will take over from Sue Kemp, Braywick's 'founding head teacher', who was hired in October to oversee the recruitment of a permanent head.

The primary education graduate will join Braywick in April, when she will begin searching for a reception class teacher and a teaching assistant.

The 32-year-old is currently acting deputy head teacher at  Ridgeway Primary School, Reading.

She has 10 years experience teaching at primary schools, including a stint at St Peter's CE in Burnham.

The Holyport resident's teaching has been rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

She said: "I feel privileged to be the headmistress of Braywick Court School. I have lived around the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead all my life and am keen that the strong sense of community which is felt in the local area should be reflected in our school."

Braywick Court will open with a 28-child reception class, eventually growing to accommodate 196 pupils by 2020.

Gemma, who has a masters degree in education from the University of Reading, added: "Braywick Court School will be a school in the community, for the community, welcoming children of all abilities and backgrounds.

"Each child will be treated as an individual and will be celebrated for their own unique skills and talents.

"I am passionate about working together with parents and families and want you all to feel part of our school community."

Parents of prospective pupils will be able to meet the new head teacher at the school's open event this evening.