A FAMILIAR face at Everest Community Academy has taken on a top post as of last week.

Hannah Dibden joined the school in 2018, when the Bourne Educational Trust took over the running of Everest, as deputy headteacher.

However, as of Monday, 4 February, she has become the head of school at the academy.

Hannah reports to the executive headteacher, Alex Russell, and handles the day-to-day running of the school, with many operational responsibilities at her doorstep.

Earning her PGCE as a Royal Academy of Dance instructor, Hannah earned her masters in teaching in Epsom.

Accepting the new responsibilities is all part of the job for Hannah.

She said: “It’s a real privilege to take up the position, this school really does have so much to offer.

“We really have the best students and staff here. They have been incredible and really pulled together.”

Hannah and the school’s efforts are not just limited to inside the school’s grounds.

Hannah added: “We have been trying to engage with the local community, and the support from the community has been excellent.

“We are so fortunate for our amazing building, it is being used by Dove House, Men’s Shed, and others. It’s wonderful and it will continue to grow.”

The support from the school has been a great help in the transition.

Hannah added: “The students have been absolutely lovely, congratulating me and have been really supportive.

“But it isn’t just me. There is an outstanding leadership team behind me and we all want the best for the students. I really couldn’t ask for better colleagues.”

Hannah still teaches drama at GCSE level, and she says this helped to keep her grounded to the needs of the students, by being embedded in school life.

She added: “The trajectory for Everest is to keep driving forward and improving.”