A school in Bushey have announced a new headteacher, who said she feels "honoured" to be taking on the role.

Sarah Jane Styles has accepted the post of Head of St Hilda’s in Bushey and will be leaving her current school, Francis Holland, later this year.

St Hilda’s, in High street, is an independent school for girls in Bushey.

Its current Head, Tracy Handford, was profiled by Independent Schools Magazine for her contribution to the school’s soaring pupil numbers.

She confided to parents that it was a very difficult decision to move on, but she has been offered a Headship close to her home in Cambridge.

Mrs Handford will be staying on to welcome the new starters in September and will take up her new Headship from January 2015.

Miss Styles, who holds a Masters degree in the philosophy of education, said: "I feel very privileged to be succeeding Mrs Handford and I look forward to continuing to build upon her successes.

"St Hilda’s has such a great reputation and it is evident that the girls are confident and happy which clearly reflect the unique qualities of this wonderful school. I feel honoured to be part of St Hilda’s as this exciting time in its history."

Miss Styles lives locally and she said she was "very pleased" to be returning to work in the area.

Her early teaching career was spent in a variety of maintained primary schools in London and Essex, followed by six years at Wheathampstead House for girls, the Preparatory School for St Albans High School for Girls, where she eventually left as Director of Studies.

Miss Styles also has a long association with the Royal Navy, initially as a full time member of the Service, and has served as a Commissioned Officer in the Royal Naval Reserves for a number of years.