A Great Yarmouth school has started it new educational year with the search for a headteacher.

Wendy Missons, who had led Great Yarmouth High School since September 2012 'has chosen to leave the school with effect from August 31', a statement released yesterday by governors revealed.

The statement is part of a letter given out to all 880 pupils to take home to parents, with chairman of the governors, the Rev Derrick Hill, saying they are now considering arrangements for a successor.

Jim McAtear will continue in his role as consultant headteacher throughout the search for a successor.

Mr McAtear was brought into the school from Hartismere School, Suffolk, when Wendy Missons took temporary leave in May.

Last night's (Monday's) letter also gave an update on the financial situation at the school as well as its journey towards academy status.

The Rev Hill said: 'We had faced a budget deficit, which happened because the school overspent on educational resources.

'We have now taken measures to ensure we have much closer oversight of the budget and thanks to significant work from school staff, senior officers of the local authority and governors this is now under control.

'This means that we can go into the new school year with a clear and manageable budget for which we are all thankful.'

Parents have also been given an update on the proposal to take Yarmouth High within the ambit of the Diocesan of Norwich Education Academies Trust.

Rev Hill said following consultations with parents and other interested parties 'the respondents overwhelmingly supported this proposal, recognising the close match between the values of that Trust and the Great Yarmouth High School.

'This response encouraged us to pursue that journey which we plan to do through the autumn term, although it will be some months before the transfer can be secured.'

In an Ofsted report in June 2014, the education watchdog said leadership and management 'required improvement' but identified Wendy Missons as one of the school's strengths.

It continued: 'The headteacher is a strong leader who has taken decisive and successful action to improve the school.'

Have you got a story about a school? Email joshua.close@archant.co.uk