TWO schools welcomed new head teachers this week. Jacqueline Bell-Cook, who is originally from Newcastle, has worked all over the world and brings 25 years of experience to Melbourn Primary school. She has taught in Austria, and was formerly the head of a

TWO schools welcomed new head teachers this week.

Jacqueline Bell-Cook, who is originally from Newcastle, has worked all over the world and brings 25 years of experience to Melbourn Primary school.

She has taught in Austria, and was formerly the head of an international school in Hong Kong.

Before taking the headship at Melbourn, Mrs Bell-Cook worked as an education consultant in Jersey.

Mrs Bell-Cook, who is also a qualified solicitor, told The Crow why she took the job.

"My husband is from Steeple Morden originally, so we have family in the area and when we decided to come back to the UK, this was the natural place to come," she said.

"It is also a very pretty area here."

Mrs Bell-Cook said that she hopes to "add value" to a school that was given an outstanding mark in its last Ofsted inspection in November 2006.

"I hope to maintain and raise the standards further," she said.

"I am hoping to broaden the curriculum to include more music and art."

In her spare time, Mrs Bell-Cook enjoys golf, swimming, travel and theatre.

A new head teacher took up office at Guilden Morden Primary School this week.

Judy Major, who is originally from Watford, started her first full-time headship at the school on Monday, and brings 20 years of teaching experience to the role.

She was formerly acting head at John Falkner School in Sawston, and has also taught at primary schools in Histon, Impington and March.

Mrs Major told The Crow why she applied for the headship at Guilden Morden.

"I was looking around for my first headship and gradually I have realised what suits me in a school.

"What I really like is a small school with a family and community feel."

Mrs Major said that she was "fortunate" to take over a "very successful" school and looked forward to helping the children "achieve their full potential."

"There are things that I want to change, but the school is already on the path where I want it to go," she added.

Mrs Major lives in Willingham, and when she is not at school, relaxes by reading, going to the cinema, and playing Sudoku.