SUSAN Lawrence has been appointed to succeed Ray Bradbury as head teacher of Kings' School, Winchester. Mrs Lawrence, who teaches English, and has been first deputy for 12 years, takes up her post in September.

In a letter to parents, Mr Bradbury writes: "Mrs Lawrence has worked very closely and she has been a strong influence in helping to shape, refine and evolve the Kings' School ethos. It is therefore with the greatest confidence that I can now tell you that the school and its ethos will not change."

Governors received 65 enquiries for the post at the high-achieving school, which has 1,800 pupils on roll. They short-listed five candidates, who were interviewed by a panel of governors and LEA officials over three days. Staff and pupils were also involved and their views were fully taken into account.