A FORMER army officer has joined new ranks as the head teacher of an "outstanding" rated primary school.

Abbie Fairbairn, from Frating, has taken up her first head teaching role at Lawford Primary School this term.

Ms Fairbairn, said her aim as the head is to maintain the school's "exceptional" reputation while adding her own style to how the facility is run.

The 46-year-old has taught at several schools since qualifying as a teacher in 2011, and her last position was in St Andrew's School, in Weeley, where she worked under the head teacher.

But, prior to teaching the mum-of-one was an army officer in the Royal Logistic Corps for 16 years and was posted across the globe.

Ms Fairbairn said: "During my time in the army I was sometimes based in Germany, did time in Iraq and went to the Falklands.

"At the time I was thinking about living overseas permanently, but my daughter was only young and I wanted to do something that was more family friendly."

It was during her time in the army which would help prepare her for becoming a head teacher.

She said: "I think from the moment I started the army I developed leadership skills, so I always knew I wanted to be a leader.

"I came from a family of teachers - so I decided to teach," she said.

Ms Fairbairn, who lives with partner Diane, started her teacher training in 2010 and was employed at St James' School, in Colchester, in 2011.

When she was head of St Andrew's School she knew she wanted more independence and authority and applied to the head teacher role at Lawford Primary School.

"My first impressions of the school were right and everyone has been very welcoming, and I have had a good opportunity to meet some of the parents," she added.

Ms Fairbairn has taken over the role from Donna Wenden who led the Ofsted "outstanding" rated school for seven years.

She said: "Now I have got the role I think my first step in this process is to build a team which works with me and my style.

"I want to get the team to know me and trust me while maintaining the school's standards.

"I want to learn how we as teachers can adapt what we all do and it's such an exciting opportunity."