A NEW headteacher has been appointed for one of the region's leading independent schools.

Robert McKenzie Johnston will take up the appointment in September at Queen Mary's, Baldersby Park, near Topcliffe, North Yorkshire.

He and his wife, Kate, are joint heads at Hanford School, an independent girls school, in Dorset.

Susan Cunliffe Lister, chairman of governors, said: "We are delighted that Robert and Kate are coming to lead the team at Queen Mary's.

"They bring with them an in-depth knowledge of girls' education in the independent sector, an enthusiasm for and recognition of the values of boarding and a commitment to continuing the success and development of Queen Mary's."

Mr Mckenzie Johnston has been headteacher of Hanford for the past ten years, but has links with North Yorkshire through his grandparents.

"I am very much looking forward to coming to Queen Mary's," he said.

"My aim is to keep its ethos - where every pupil feels valued wherever their talents lie, maintain the school's family atmosphere and retain its academic edge."

Queen Mary's, set in a Grade 11 listed building, is a co-educational school with boys and girls from three to seven, and for day and boarding girls from seven to 16 years.

Mr McKenzie Johnston is a keen supporter of boarding.

"I think you make your best friendships at school, and boarding in particular helps develop these," he said.

Mr McKenzie Johnston succeeds Peter and Felicity Belward, who have been acting Heads since January.