AS THE start of the new academic year draws closer, two girls' schools in Ascot have proudly announced they have appointed new senior staff for 2016/17.

Marina Gardiner Legge will be succeeding Jo Heywood as headteacher of Heathfield School while Jane Gow will be taking over as vice principal at The Marist School.

Mrs Gardiner Legge is being promoted after a three-year stint as Heathfield's director of studies. Her predecessor had spent seven years in the leadership post.

She said: "I am delighted to have been given the honour of heading Heathfield and I am dedicated to carrying on the high standards and ethics of the school, making it an outstanding institution in which to work, learn, excel, play and be inspired."

A passionate supporter of the boarding system, the English teacher moved to Ascot after spending eight years at Rutlish School in south west London.

She graduated from Oxford with a degree in English language and literature and went on to study in Hong Kong, where she won the top prize in her English PGCE year group.

The ardent world traveller aims to build on recent successes including a record glut of top A level and GCSE grades.

Heathfield has also just been named in the Telegraph's Top Ten of Small Independent Schools by exam ranking for the first time.

Meanwhile Jane Gow has taken the reins as the new prep vice principal at The Marist School.

She was appointed to the position after the independent school was impressed by her work at fellow Ascot-based St. Francis Roman Catholic Primary School.

The former head teacher will take her up new post from January 2017 which will complete the reorganisation of the Catholic school's management team.

Karl McCloskey. principal at The Marist, said: “This is a truly exciting phase in our development and growth.

“It coincides with the enhancement of our facilities for all pupils as the school prepares to formally open its new £2.4m sports hall and fitness suite in the autumn term.”

Ann Nash, chair of the governing body, added: “A key element in the growth and success of the Marist School is the team who lead it. Karl brings 18 years of substantive experience of school leadership.

“Jane's addition to the Marist executive leadership team is a blessing and a source of great joy for the future of the school.”