COLWYN Bay’s Rydal Penrhos school has a new face at the helm.

Sally Ann Harding has been appointed acting head following the departure Simon Smith last month. Mrs Harding, who was director of studies, said: “This is a challenging job to pick up but it is an opportunity that both greatly excites and motivates me.”

A spokesman for Rydal Penrhos said: “It has been agreed, by mutual consent, that Simon Smith has left his position as headmaster. The Governors are pleased with Simon’s achievements over the past two years. However, as the process of becoming a dedicated Monday to Friday day school it has been agreed now is the right time for Simon to handover the leadership. There are no disciplinary or safeguarding issues surrounding his departure. The recruitment process for a permanent head is well underway.”