A post to lead a new through school in Royston is being advertised nationally.

The merger of the Roysia and Greneway middle schools with Meridian School to create the through school for children aged 9 to 18 from September 2018 was under consultation at the end of last year, and the proposal is now in the hands of the Department for Education.

A spokeswoman for the Royston School Academy Trust – which governs the schools – told the Crow that advertising the headteacher role externally is a statutory requirement, and is being done so at this stage to “ensure we get the best field of candidates”.

Laura Rawlings, head of Roysia and Greneway, is currently overseeing the transformation process.

The RSAT spokeswoman said: “RSAT is currently awaiting approval from the Department for Education for the proposed school.

“However, RSAT has taken the decision to advertise for a headteacher now to ensure that we get the best field of candidates.

“The new head could influence the transition process before September 2018 when they would take up the post.

Delaying the recruitment process would risk the new headteacher missing the deadline to resign from their existing post, therefore not being in place for the new school year.

“The position is being advertised nationally, through the Times Educational Supplement, and locally.”

RSAT chair Carol Boston said: “We are confident that the Academy Trust is well placed to attract a good field of candidates. It is an exciting opportunity to lead Royston School Academy Trust into a new chapter.

“During the next two terms, Mrs Rawlings will continue to lead on the schools’ merger to provide continuity and, if approval is granted, support the transition to the new school opening in September 2018.”