The deputy head teacher of an independent school has taken on the role of acting head following the recent sudden death of the school’s long-serving leader.

Westville House School in Middleton, Ilkley, has announced that Rosey James has stepped into the school’s leadership role.

Mrs James has been associated with the school for 18 years, first as a maths and science teacher and since 2005 as the deputy head.

Chairman of governors, Neil Brown, said: “We are very fortunate to have, in Rosey James, someone on our existing staff who has the necessary experience and the personal qualities to step up immediately into the school’s key leadership role following the tragic loss in January of Charles Holloway.

“Rosey has the full trust and respect of the staff, our parents, and governing body.”