THE new headteacher at St George’s C of E Primary School in Portsea has been commissioned at a special service.

Izzy Lewis was commissioned in her new role at Harbour Church Portsmouth, which is based in the nearby St George’s Church. She committed herself to working with the school and church families to make sure that the school continues to improve and support all children. The vicars, governor representatives and families pledged to support the school during the service, which included prayers and songs.

Miss Lewis, who was deputy head and interim headteacher in St Jude’s C of E Primary since 2018, told the congregation that she was passionate about Portsmouth and what it was able to offer. She said: “I have worked in the city for my entire career and even though I joined St George’s just 22 weeks ago I have been made to feel so welcome by the staff, governors and families.

“Time has gone so quickly when I count the days, but I feel like I’ve been in this school for a long time. There was a rigorous process to find a new headteacher and I was delighted to be given the chance to become the school’s permanent head, it is a real privilege to continue working alongside the diocese and with the team at St George’s.

“There is a really strong sense of community here and it is a pleasure to work with a very committed team of staff who are exceptionally loyal to the children.

“I want to build on the relationships with Harbour Church and Portsmouth Cathedral and continue developing the school’s Christian ethos. I want all things for these pupils; every opportunity, every chance and every success, so that is what I would like us to pray for; for all good things for this community.”

Miss Lewis was pleased that the school has already enhanced its collective worship programme and adopted ‘The Big Question’, which is a weekly class-based discussion to give pupils an opportunity to share their own thoughts and beliefs that she had designed.