An interim headteacher who draws her educational experiences and inspirations from across the globe is determined to make a difference at a Letchworth secondary school.

After taking over from Jed Whelan following his nine years of service, Liz Ellis has paid tribute to the welcome she has received from all at Fearnhill School n her first term.

So much so that Liz, who was deputy at Simon Balle School in Hertford, would jump at the chance to take the role permanently.

With Jed – who is currently ‘acting temporary teacher’ at Sir Frederic Osborn School – applying for the permanent position at the Welwyn Garden City school, the top dog position at Fearnhill could become available sooner rather than later.

Before she was based in Hertford, Liz held roles as head of English and deputy head of The Priory School in Hitchin, and her 28 years of teaching has also seen her sharing her love of the subject in Costa Rica and Ecuador.

Liz, who lives in Woolmer Green, said: “I have been really impressed with the warmth of the welcome I have received from the students and the dedication of the staff.

“This is a very innovative school and we are on an upwards trajectory, so I am determined for the school to go from a ‘good’ to an ‘oustanding’ Ofsted rating.

“We want to have a big community involvement, to engage with our primary schools and continue our fantastic relationship with Highfield School.

“We want our students to be outward facing, emerging out of school as articulate citizens with values and skills.

“I am excited about the future here at Fearnhill and would be very interested if the permanent role became available.”

Featured on her walls – as well as photoographs of her twin daughters – are Liz’s educational inspirations including images from the Cuban Literacy Campaign of the 1960s and the engineering works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

She added: “We have the next Brunel sitting in front of us – we just need to give them that believe that they can achieve to the best of their abilities.”