A new headteacher has been appointed to run a Workington secondary school.

Jacky Kennedy, 51, who is currently senior deputy head of Richard Rose Central Academy in Carlisle, will replace retiring St Joseph's School head Tom Ryan in September.

A languages specialist from Newcastle, Miss Kennedy was previously deputy head of Morton School, in Carlisle.

Before that she spent nine years at Sacred Heart School in Hammersmith, London, as head of languages then assistant head.

She also taught at Hammersmith School in Shepherd’s Bush, London, between 1990 and 1993 after beginning her career at St Cuthbert's School, in Newcastle, and St Thomas More School, in Gateshead.

Miss Kennedy and her husband Paul Bell, who is an editor for ITV Border, have two teenage daughters and live near Carlisle.

Patrick Leonard, chairman of governors, said: "Parents should feel reassured that although the leadership of the school will be changing, what will not change is our school's commitment to living, learning and loving through Christ.

"This means helping children to achieve their personal best in all aspects of school life, to flourish academically but also spiritually and morally so that they can make the strongest possible contribution to the common good for all.

"Miss Kennedy brings a wealth of experience to the post and we are all very much looking forward to working with her."