A NEW headteacher will take charge of the merged Prestonpans Primary and Prestonpans Infant Schools.

That comes after it was confirmed that the current headteachers of both schools would not be putting their names forward for the role.

East Lothian Council approved a merger of the two schools last December.

The local authority has now confirmed that neither the current headteacher of Prestonpans Primary, Jonathan Revell, nor of Prestonpans Infant School, Sheila Laing, will be applying for the role.

Sheila Laing became headteacher at Prestonpans Infant School in September 2011, moving from Campie Primary School in Musselburgh, while Mr Revell was appointed headteacher at Prestonpans Primary in September 2016.

A video has been posted on Prestonpans Primary School’s Twitter feed and its parent council Facebook page in which pupils and teachers appeal for candidates to apply.

In the video, Fiona Robertson, head of education at the council, states the need for someone who can “believe, achieve, strive for excellence and care for all”.

The video also sees the children demonstrate their cooking and sign language skills, with one child adding: “The best teachers you could ever wish for are in this school.

“There are lots of fun and different events happening throughout the year.”

Councillor Shamin Akhtar, cabinet member for education, told the Courier: “This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting an amazing school and its local community.

“There is already lots of great work happening in Prestonpans, especially in supporting and engaging with parents and carers, which has received national recognition. We need someone who will continue to build upon this work and support our children and young people to achieve their fullest potential.”

The appeal for the new headteacher coincides with a consultation that has been opened by the council to give a name to the new school.

The name of the school, as suggested by the council, should be based on either a notable person from the area, the location of the school or include the vision of the school.

The consultation closes on March 29, and any suggestions can be either emailed to educationconsultations@eastlothian.gov.uk or posted to John Muir House, Haddington.

The new school will follow a single curriculum. There are no plans to move buildings, with the new school running across the two former education establishments.