Karen Riley has been appointed headteacher of Michael Primary School with effect from September 2017.
The school’s deputy headteacher, she will take over from Tony Robinson, headteacher since 2006, who retires this summer.
Mrs Riley was born and grew up on the Island, attending Sulby and Albert Road Primary Schools and Ramsey Grammar School.
In 2001, she gained a degree in primary education with mathematics and qualified teaching status from Edge Hill University.
She spent her first three years as a teacher at Michael Primary.
In 2004, she moved to the West Midlands to work on the senior leadership team at Warley Infants’ School.
She returned home three years later to take up the post of deputy head at Ballaquayle Infants’ School and has been deputy head at Michael since 2010.
Mrs Riley said: ‘I couldn’t be happier to take on the headship of Michael School from September.
‘I have loved working with the children, parents and staff and I consider it a real honour to be trusted with the lead role in this amazing school community.
‘We will continue to build on the excellent foundations and ethos already in place and I am excited about what we can achieve together. I would like to thank Mr Robinson for his support during our years working together and wish him a happy retirement.’
Geoff Moorcroft, Director of Education for the Department of Education and Children, said: ‘Tony has dedicated himself to the education of children on the Isle of Man for 26 years.
‘He is well-respected head who has been instrumental in encouraging the career development of colleagues.
‘His philosophy has always been to dedicate himself to providing memorable and enjoyable learning experiences for pupils. Among other things, his development of the International Primary Curriculum at Michael has enabled students to have a range of rich learning experiences based on first-hand experiences.
‘On behalf of the Department of Education and Children, I wish him a happy and fulfilling retirement.’
Michael Primary has 122 pupils registered.
Photo - Karen Riley.
