Natalie Johnstone has been appointed as the new headteacher for Victoria Road School in Castletown.

From September, she will take over from Ian Postlethwaite, who will be moving to a new role in the government’s inclusion and safeguarding service.

For the last five years Mrs Johnstone has been working as a deputy headteacher in the United Arab Emirates.

’I am delighted to be taking up the post of headteacher at Victoria Road and returning home to the Isle of Man,’ she said.

’I look forward to working with staff, parents and the local community to continue to build on the strengths of the school in order to strive for excellence.

’I am also very much looking forward to meeting the pupils and embedding a love of learning - with core values that will prepare them as they move forward in the future.’

Mrs Johnstone studied at St Ninian’s High School, before gaining her Qualified Teaching Status and National Professional Qualification for Headship in England.

She began her teaching career at the former Fairfield Primary School in 2004, before taking up a senior leader role in the UK.

Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson said: ’We are looking forward to working with Natalie in her new position and welcoming her and her young family back to the island.

’We are confident she will drive the school forward into an exciting new chapter.’

Mr Postlethwaite will be taking up a new role as additional educational needs and standards advisor for the government’s inclusion and safeguarding service.

He has worked at Victoria Road School since 2009 and was appointed headteacher there in 2014, having served as acting head since the previous year.

His first teaching post was Auldyn Infants School.

Dr Allinson said: ’We would like to thank Ian for all his excellent work at Victoria Road School.

’I am delighted to continue to work with him in his new role.’