Following an extensive recruitment process, Gloucestershire County Council has appointed a new director of education.

Kirsten Harrison is headteacher at Chosen Hill School in Churchdown, where she will finish the school year before taking up her new post in the summer.

An education specialist, she previously served as head teacher at Newent Community School where she led the school out of special measures. Highly respected by head teachers across the county, Kirsten is also currently chair of the Gloucestershire Association of Secondary Head teachers, as well as being a South West region Ofsted inspector.

The recruitment process included presentations to panels of young people, head teachers and governors, partners, senior education managers and the leadership of Children's Services.

The final interview panel consisted of the director of Children's Services, representatives of the Diocese and the regional schools commissioner, and Mr Dominic Burke, head teacher of Balcarras School, Cheltenham.

Chris Spencer, director of Children's Services at Gloucestershire County Council said: "I am really pleased to welcome Kirsten to our team. She brings a wealth of education experience to the role and will be a huge asset to the county council and schools across the county, who will benefit from her experience and expertise.

"She joins us with an impressive track record and I know that she will provide strong leadership and help us make sure that all children benefit from a high quality education, which will allow them to fulfill their potential."

Cllr Patrick Molyneux, cabinet member for schools at Gloucestershire County Council said: "I am delighted with Kirsten's appointment; she made an outstanding impression upon the selection panel and it is clear that with her experience and passion for education, she is the right person to take forward our vision for education in Gloucestershire."

Kirsten Harrison said: "I am honoured to have been selected as Gloucestershire's new director of Education. I am passionate about education and I look forward to working with colleagues at all levels and with schools across the county to deliver opportunities which will allow all children to flourish and experience success in all aspects of their lives."