Ipswich High School in Woolverstone has appointed a former Australian art teacher as its new deputy head from September.

Rebecca Rees, who was recent nominated as Essex Teacher of the Year, will join from the Thomas, Lord Audley School, in Colchester to replace Nicola Griffiths, who has secured a principal role at St Mary's across the border.

is delighted to announce Ms Rebecca Rees has been appointed as the new Deputy Head and will join Ipswich High School in September 2021.

Ms Rees is also Lead SENCO for the SIGMA Trust and an Essex Partnership SENCO, who started out after training as an Art teacher in Australia before moving to London, where she was head of year in an all-boys school in Hackney.

Ms Rees said: 'The school has a wonderful reputation and is in such a remarkable setting that I couldn't resist applying. After meeting so many wonderful members of the school community I have no doubt that this is the best step I could make both personally and professionally.

"Teaching means the world to me, it is not just about facilitating and encouraging students to achieve outstanding outcomes but to help them articulate their dreams and realise their aspirations.'

Mr Howe said 'I am delighted that Rebecca will be joining us as our new Deputy Head from September.

"From our very first conversation, it was clear she exemplifies the caring, ambitious, pupil-centred philosophy which IHS is so well known for and during the process Rebecca also demonstrated her expertise in developing and sustaining high quality teaching and learning.

"I have no doubt pupils, parents and staff will soon find Rebecca to be a huge asset to our community and that she will play a major role in our future successes."

A keen runner, Ms Rees, said she loves travelling to far flung places, going to the movies, creating art, dining on fabulous food and any opportunity to laugh.