A FORMER pupil of a Netherton secondary school has returned to her old school- as headteacher.

Emma Edwards-Morgan has been appointed as the new Principal of The Link Academy 23 years after leaving as a pupil.

Artwork made when she was pupil is even still on display at the school.

Emma said: “Being locally raised and educated, I am acutely aware of the vital role that my own secondary education played in my subsequent choices. I now have a fantastic opportunity to change lives among the young people of Netherton and the surrounding area. This school made a huge difference in my life; I am extremely proud to be from the local area and I want every child to achieve to their potential under our guidance.”

She added: "I stumbled across two pieces of my own art work on display in the Art Department. I was astonished; it must have been better than I thought at the time! The students are amazed that's it's there and want my name placed next to it.”

Setting her ambitions for the school, she explained: “Now it’s time to look to the future. I am excited to be joining Dudley Academies Trust at such a pivotal point in the journey for school improvement. I am passionate about teaching and learning and will strive for the very best standard of education for our young people.

At the heart of what we do will be a relentless focus on ensuring that the quality of education is exceptional for all of our learners”.

“Pupils at The Link Academy need to believe that they are good enough to achieve the top university, apprenticeship and employment opportunities. We will teach them to dream big and will do everything to help them to realise their ambitions.”

Emma holds a First Class Honours Degree in Biological and Biomedical Sciences and worked in the NHS before joining the teaching profession.

She was formally Director of Science and Assistant Head Teacher at Dormston School in Sedgley and Deputy Head Teacher at Great Barr Academy in Birmingham.

Jo Higgins, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “I am delighted to have Emma join us in our mission to transform education in Dudley schools. She joins a very strong management team that has already made great progress at The Link.”