THE head of Tamworth's new academy, who will take the helm of the secondary school from this September, has been appointed.

Diane Pickering was revealed as the 'principal designate' for the privately-run 11 to 16 centre, which is set the replace Woodhouse High School.

It will be managed by the Landau Forte College Trust.

Diane is currently deputy head a Woodhouse. She joined the school in September 2007 and since that time has played a key role in leading educational improvements at the school.

"I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the Landau Forte Academy in Tamworth," Diane explained.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as deputy head at Woodhouse and look forward to continuing to work with staff, students, parents and the wider community in Amington.

"This is an exciting time for all of us involved in education in Tamworth."

Following a national advertising campaign which had attracted considerable interest and a high number of applications, Diane was put through her paces in a rigorous selection process.

The process concluded with a final interview in London with the Landau Forte Trustees and representatives of the Department for Children Schools and Families, Staffordshire County Council and the Woodhouse Business and Enterprise College Governing Body, where she was unanimously identified as the perfect candidate.

Chief executive of the Landau Forte Charitable Trust, Stephen Whiteley said: "Following a rigorous selection process Diane shone through as the outstanding candidate.

"We are delighted with her appointment; she is a dynamic character who has a successful record of making a positive difference to young people.

"She possesses real potential as an academy leader and demonstrates enormous commitment to her students believing they deserve the best education possible.

"I am looking forward immensely to working with her in establishing the new Academy in Tamworth."

Diane will take up her appointment with the trust after Easter, in readiness for the opening of the academy in the existing Woodhouse High School buildings, in Highfields Avenue, in September. New buildings for the Academy are scheduled for completion in September 2011.

For more information on the academy log on to www.landau-forteacademy.org.uk.