ONE TEACHER is hoping for a good reaction from pupils as she starts the new term as head of chemistry at King Edward VII and Queen Mary school. Pauline Lenney has moved from a similar post at Colston's Girls' school, Bristol, to take over from retiring head of department David Matthews.

Mrs Lenney is a chemistry graduate from the University of Leeds. She trained as a teacher at the University of Northumbria, and her previous experience includes posts in Harrogate and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She has also been a Teacher Fellow at Downing College, Cambridge and she is an A-Level chemistry moderator.

Mrs Lenney said: "I have been very impressed with all the people I have met at the school and I am expecting to be part of a busy and forward thinking science department."

Julian Wilde, school principal, said: "I am very pleased to have appointed an outstanding teacher who has considerable experience."