The Department of Education and Children is pleased to announce that Denise Lyon has been appointed headteacher of Scoill Vallajeelt with effect from January 2015.
 
Denise is currently headteacher of both Moredon Primary and Nursery School and Rodbourne Cheney Primary School in Swindon where she has been for 12 years.
 
She will replace Adrian Shorthouse, who has headed the school since September 2008 and who is moving to be headteacher of Kewaigue Primary. Nick George, currently deputy headteacher at Scoill Vallajeelt will act as head teacher for the autumn term.
 
Denise graduated from Chester College of Higher Education with a Bachelor of Education (Hons) in 1990 and taught for six years in Rochdale. She then moved to Swindon in 1996 where she taught in a number of different primary schools before completing her headship qualification.
 
Denise said: “I am really looking forward to coming back to the Island to work at a school with such happy, confident children and friendly staff. I am keen to work in partnership with parents, governors and members of the community. I am sad to leave my position in Swindon but I am thrilled to be embarking on a new chapter in my career.”
 
Denise was born on the Island and was educated at Braddan Primary School, Ballakermeen Junior High School and Douglas High School.
 
Scoill Vallajeelt has 183 pupils on the register.