FAREWELL tributes were paid this week to Dan Perry who is leaving Old Cleeve First School at the end of term after four years as head teacher.

He will be replaced by Janine Donovan, current head of St Michael’s First School, Minehead, who will become head teacher of both schools under a West Somerset Academies Trust head-sharing system.

As part of the changes, Maida White, deputy head teacher, will lead St Peter’s First School, Williton, with the support of the trust’s CEO Paul Rushforth.

Mr Perry said: “I have loved my time at Old Cleeve, and at Danesfield before that. It is always a difficult decision to leave the job you have invested so much into, but I felt the time is right for my family, the school and the trust.”

Mr Rushforth said that the head-sharing system meant that the trust could afford experienced head teachers, could appoint deputies in its schools, and could put more resources into classes.

“We will miss Dan. He has led an outstanding school for four years and we are sad to lose him,” he added.