New head for one of Norwich's largest junior schools
Steve DownesOne of Norwich's largest and most popular junior schools has turned to one of its own to be its latest headteacher.Steve Downes
One of Norwich's largest and most popular junior schools has turned to one of its own to be its latest headteacher.
Debbie Dismore has stepped up from her seven-year role as deputy head of Avenue Junior, in Avenue Road to take the reins as headteacher.
Her appointment comes a few months after the surprise departure of Mark Cresswell, who left at Easter after a year at the helm, admitting he was 'not right for the school'.
Mrs Dismore said: 'It's a fantastic school and I'm just looking forward to continuing its success and reaching out to the future.'
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The 400-pupil school was led until January 2009 by long-serving headteacher Juris Zarins. Its most recent Ofsted report rated it 'good with outstanding features'.
Mrs Dismore, 43, is married to TV director Julian, and has three boys - Adam, 16, Sam, 14 and five-year-old Daniel.
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She has spent the last seven years at Avenue Junior as deputy headteacher, having previously worked as a teacher in Leeds.
She said: 'I volunteered at a local school to help with my niece's class when I was 16. I loved that, and did A-levels, then decided to do a teaching degree at Cambridge University.
'You have got so many characters in schools and every day is different. Children's love of learning is contagious.'
She added: 'I've been acting headteacher since Easter. We are a very musical school and also have real strengths in drama and PE.
'We want to continue our success in sport and create well-rounded individuals. Lots of our pupils are very passionate about the environment and we want to work on that.'
Wendy Cleary, chairman of governors, said: 'The governing body was very pleased to be able to choose from amongst a field of good applicants.
'A panel of governors conducted the interviews with support from representatives of the local authority and valuable, insightful input from the School Council.
'Based on this in-depth selection process, and against very strong competition, Debbie proved herself unequivocally on her merits to be the best candidate.
'We are delighted that we have such a talented and capable person to lead our school and to help us to realise our shared vision for the future. We warmly congratulate Debbie and look forward to working with her in her new role as our permanent headteacher.'
Do you have a schools story? Call Steve Downes on 01603 772495 or email steve.downes@archant.co.uk.
