AS PUPILS get back to the classroom there are changes at the top for schools in Appleton, Stretton and Higher Whitley.

With the start of the autumn term, children and staff at Cobbs Infants School, Stretton St Matthew's Primary School and Whitley Village School welcomed new head teachers to the helm.

It was back to business last Monday when the new addition to the Cobbs teaching staff, Yvette Blake arrived at the Wood Lane s,chool, fresh from the position of deputy head teacher at St Philip's CE Primary School, in Westbrook.

A spokesman for Cobbs Infants School said: "We are delighted with the new appointment that will be a new chapter for the school and educational development."

Meanwhile, the school is also expecting a structural revamp following an application by the local authority to extend the school offices and front entrance.

The decision will be made by Warrington Borough Council planning department later this year.

l A familiar face has taken over at St Matthew's Primary School, Stretton Road with Mary Cummins, former deputy head ,being appointed.

And Julie Morrisson another deputy head teacher has swapped her role at Winnington Park School, in Northwich, for the quiet village of Whitley.

She said: "It's only my second week but I'm delighted to be at the school, it's a lovely community environment.

"And I'm looking forward to the challenges of headship and getting to know the children and parents here."