A new head teacher has been announced to take the reins of Chesham Grammar School at the start of the next academic year.

Annmarie McNaney has been chosen to take over from current head, Philip Wayne, who himself is to replace Roy Page as head teacher at Wycombe’s Royal Grammar School in September.

The school said Miss McNaney, already a member of staff there, had been chosen after a rigorous selection process involving governors, staff and students.

Miss McNaney said, “I’m absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Philip Wayne’s successor. My goal is to build on the excellent work he has done during his eight years here and lead the school from outstanding to exceptional.

“Working with our highly talented students and staff to achieve this will be a real honour.”

Miss McNaney, who lives in Berkhamsted and is married with two sons, aged 12 and 9, is currently one of the school’s deputy headteachers and is described as a "very well respected" member of the senior leadership team.

After being awarded a BA in Theology and Sociology by the University of Bristol, she began her teaching career at a large, mixed comprehensive in Avon, rising to become assistant head of Sixth Form.

She joined Chesham Grammar School (or Chesham High as it was then) as head of Sixth Form. She was subsequently promoted, first to assistant head and then to deputy, in which post the school says she has made a major impact on improving learning and teaching. It credits her for playing a key part in the school attaining an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating last year.

Mr Wayne said of his replacement: "We were all delighted to hear of Miss McNaney's appointment. She will develop CGS into a truly exceptional school. Aside from her many great qualities, her appointment ensures a smooth handover between now and the end of August. We all offer Miss McNaney our congratulations."

Sue Walton, chair of governors, added: “Many students and staff took part in the selection process.

“All governors, especially those of us on the selection panel, are grateful for the valuable contributions of those students and staff we consulted and to everyone who put so much effort into making the three days run so smoothly for the candidates and the selection panel.”