Brentwood County High School has announced that current deputy head Carol Mason will succeed head teacher Michael Trett when he retires at Christmas.

Mrs Mason, 48, said she is "absolutely delighted" to get the top job at the Shenfield Common school. She has been deputy head for 14 years.

She faced a "gruelling" two days of interviews and assessment, but says it was all made worthwhile when she received the call telling her she had been successful.

"I really want to continue with the tremendous progress the school has made over the last few years," Mrs Mason said.

"It will be a different style because I'm a different person to Michael Trett. But in terms of how the school will appear from the outside, it will just continue to go from strength to strength and continue to be a brilliant school, as it always has been.

"I'm excited, and I'm really looking forward to it. I think next term is going to be quite a useful gradual transition."

Mrs Mason, who teaches physics and maths, previously taught at the Mayflower High School in Billericay.

Mr Trett, 60, announced earlier this year that he is to retire at the end of December after 22 years as head at Brentwood County High.

He said he was very happy that Mrs Mason will be succeeding him and congratulated her on her appointment.

"She has worked loyally and hard for the good of Brentwood County High for a number of years, and obviously I'm delighted that she's been appointed as my successor," he added.

"It will enable a smooth hand-over, and I expect that the school will build on the successes of recent years. I'm pleased for her and offer my her congratulations."

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