A FAMILIAR face has taken over the reins of a South Lakeland school where community spirit and friendships flourish.

In her new role as head teacher, Miriam Baile – who joined Coniston’s John Ruskin School ten years ago– is determined to strengthen the community links she treasures most.

From organising new foreign exchanges with schools in France and Solto Collina in Italy, to working with local conservationists and being involved in attempts to break the world water speed record, Ms Bailey is a woman on a mission.

“There is a very strong sense of community here,” she said. “Everyone knows each other and the staff, students and parents are all supportive of one another. It is not unusual to see a year eight pupil socialising with someone in year ten at lunchtime, for example.”

She said the school already played an important part in the local and wider community, adding: ”I am extremely proud of this and of the achievements of our pupils. I love coming here every day and I know the school very well. I feel I am ready to lead the pupils to a future of more achievements.”

One of the many projects Ms Bailey intends to develop at the school is Coniston and Crake Partnership’s scheme to protect and improve water quality in local rivers and the lake itself.

“This is a really positive project for pupils to get involved in as it promotes the importance of being green and looking after our stunning natural environment,” she added.

“We want to embed an appreciation and greater understanding in children of the world in which we live.”

The school is also supporting Nigel McKnight in his quest to beat the world water speed record on Coniston Water.

As well as providing sponsorship to help Mr McKnight build his boat, Quicksilver, Ms Bailey has invited him into the school and hopes to arrange talks and workshops for the children.

“This will add to the work we already do with the Ruskin Museum in Coniston,” she added.

Ms Bailey said she had been ‘overwhelmed’ by the amount of support she had received from Coniston residents since taking on the head’s job at the 200-strong school, adding: “I have a shelf full of cards at the moment, which is really lovely and it is undoubtedly the case that once you are here it is difficult to leave.”