A school in Cookham Dean has welcomed a new head teacher this month.

Fiona Long took the helm at Herries Preparatory School, in Dean Lane, following the departure of Sophie Green who was head of the school for six years before moving on to Godstowe Preparatory school in High Wycombe.

Speaking about her new role, she said: “I have had a great welcome. It is a lovely place to be – a very warm and welcoming community.

“I have a very strong staff team. Some of them have been here for years and it is a good to have that expertise.

“The pupils are a pleasure and delight. One little girl told me I had rosebud lips and another girl told me I had a lovely necklace.”

Mrs Long was previously the deputy head of academic at Sherborne Preparatory School in Dorset, saying the move to Cookham was “like coming home” for her husband, who is from Tylers Green.

Speaking about her predecessor, she said: “I was so lucky to take over from her. She is lovely.

“It is very hard to fill her shoes. She did an amazing job. I just hope to continue her successes really.

“She was an inspiring lady.”