After failing to appoint a permanent headteacher last week the governors of Shene School have announced the former head of Whitton School as its interim leader.

Sue Raynor, who left her post at Whitton in December after six and a half years, will take the reins at Shene in September, initially until Christmas, while the school continues their search for a permanent replacement for Rhian Lloyd-Thomas who leaves later this month.

Interviews had taken place last week for the permanent position but the school have decided to re-advertise the position in the new school year.

Ms Raynor, who was also deputy head at Grey Court school in Ham for nine years, took a career break after leaving Whitton and has been at the school in recent weeks in order to make the hand-over a smooth one.

She said: "I am delighted to be taking up post as interim headteacher of Shene School from September 2006. I will give my total energy and commitment to leading Shene School to future success."

Michael Lumley, chair of governors at Shene, said the governors were delighted to have appointed an experienced headteacher with knowledge of education in Richmond.

"We feel very fortunate indeed that Sue Raynor was able to accept the invite to be our interim head," he said. "From our point of view it is an excellent match to our needs.

"With her experience she can hit the ground running and she has already had the opportunity to visit the school this term, which means that when she starts in September she is up to speed with the needs, agenda and people of the school.

"From the governors point of view we are delighted we can keep the momentum going within the school and keep the school moving forward."

Mr Lumley told the Richmond and Twickenham Times Ms Raynor's position would be reviewed at Christmas when it is known how much progress has been made in the search for a permanent headteacher.

"As we look ahead everything is hypothetical and we will resolve issues as and when, but for the school, the pupils, parents and staff we don't have any gap here and to have an experienced head like Sue will be of tremendous value."