A Sittingbourne secondary head teacher is to leave after the end of term, it was announced today, and will be replaced by a former Ofsted inspector.

Fiona Trigwell, from Halfway on Sheppey, joined Sittingbourne Community College (SCC) in September 2012 before becoming head teacher in December 2013.

In a letter issued to parents today, it was announced that the 59-year-old had decided to leave the Swanstree Avenue school to “pursue new opportunities”.

Taking over from her will be Seamus Murphy, who was head-hunted for the post by the Swale Academies Trust.

He most recently worked as an Ofsted inspector until April but prior to that was head teacher at Dartford Science and Technology College.

The letter, from trust principal Jon Whitcombe, reads: “Fiona would like to express her gratitude to the pupils, parents and staff who have worked tirelessly alongside her to make the school the popular success it is today.

“She has found it a humbling experience at times but always a real privilege to work with such a committed team of professionals who are driven by a mutual desire to make a difference to the lives of pupils at the school.

"Fiona feels that the school is now ready to achieve even greater success under new leadership.

“The trust directors would like to thank Fiona for the tremendous job she has done over the last four years and wish her every success in the future on behalf of everyone connected with SCC.”

Mr Murphy will take over from the start of term in September.

Mr Whitcombe adds: “I personally would like to thank Fiona Trigwell for all her hard work on behalf of the children and staff of SCC and look forward to seeing Seamus Murphy develop the school still further in the future building upon Fiona’s successful legacy.

“SCC has come a long way in recent years and we are advancing well to create a remarkably strong school. We have a highly skilled and dedicated staff and a wonderful group of students. The future looks very bright.”

Her last day at the school will be next Wednesday, July 28.