Basildon born and bred and proud of it!

That's the new headteacher at Lee Chapel Primary School, Susan Jackson. Mrs Jackson, 38, was born at her grandparents' house in Whitmore Way.

The second generation "Basildonian" grew up in Long Riding and went to Fairhouse Infants. She later went to Chowdhary Primary, when her parents moved to Belstedes, Lee Chapel North.

Mrs Jackson's completed her education at Nicholas Comprehensive, Laindon, and did her A levels at Basildon College.

She learnt her skills at Brentwood Teacher Training College. She has been a supply teacher at several Basildon schools, including Eversley and Pitsea.

Her last position was at Porters Grange, Leigh, where she was deputy head for five years.

When the vacancy for headteacher came up at Lee Chapel she jumped at the chance.

She said: "I love the ethos of the school and it's a lovely site with gorgeous trees and so much space.

"As soon as I visited I knew this was the place for me."

Mrs Jackson's DIY efforts have already made her a hit with the children. With the help of her husband, Steven, who is also from Basildon and works for Ford, they have redecorated her office, the reception area and relocated the library.

The mother of two teenagers finished her national professional qualification for headship last week, a new initiative bought in by Tony Blair two years ago.

She previously gained her Arts masters degree from Anglia University.

Mrs Jackson, who now lives in Leigh, said: "The key to success for any school is the parents.

"When you've got the kind of partnership we enjoy with our parents, the sky's the limit."

Proud of her roots - new head at Lee Chapel Primary School Susan Jackson

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.