Lucie Hernandez named as interim headteacher of Stowmarket High School, replacing Dave Lee-Allan

The new interim headteacher for a Suffolk school has been revealed.

Lucie Hernandez has succeeded Dave Lee-Allan, the former headmaster of Stowmarket High School, after he stood down ahead of the Autumn term.

Waveney Valley Academies Trust said Ms Hernandez was most recently deputy headteacher of Barnhill School in West London, and was selected to fill Mr Lee-Allan’s shoes.

She will serve as headmistress for two terms while the school searches for a permanent replacement.

Yesterday, Mr Lee-Allan told SuffolkNews he decided his tenure had ‘run its course’ after new leadership was selected for the Trust.

He said: “I firmly believe it is now time for someone else to step into my shoes and take over the school.”

Craig Morrison, chief executive of Waveney Valley Academies Trust, thanked Mr Lee-Allan for his eight years of dedicated service to Stowmarket High School.

He added: “During this time, he oversaw many positive changes, including the major project of moving the school into a new building against the backdrop of the pandemic.

“We are pleased to welcome Lucie Hernandez as interim headteacher, initially for the next two terms.

“Ms Hernandez comes to us following a very successful tenure as deputy head of Barnhill School – a high-achieving academy in West London.

“The Trust plans to advertise for the school’s next permanent headteacher in the Spring Term.”