A Glasgow-born head teacher has swapped the bright lights of Manhattan for the green Hertfordshire countryside.

Lisa McDonald has officially taken on the role of head teacher at independent school Edge Grove in Aldenham - and she is the first female head teacher at the school for 85 years.

Having officially taken over the reins from Ben Evans this term, Miss McDonald is keen to uphold his legacy.

She said: “Edge Grove is a vibrant, happy and successful school that has thrived under Ben’s creative and forward thinking leadership over the last eight years. As head, I am eager to ensure we sustain the momentum to ensure that Edge Grove strides boldly into its next phase of development."

Having worked at an international school in the US, Miss McDonald says she has learned the value and impact of a rich, broad and creative curriculum that challenges students academically but also nurtures individual talents across a range of disciplines.

She added: "The International Baccalaureate framework gives children the opportunity to achieve the high standards and outcomes set by the national curriculum, but in a way that allows them to be creative, think critically and look beyond their immediate surroundings to develop a broad and open-minded perspective.

"The moment I visited the school and met the staff and pupils I felt a palpable sense of school spirit and community. Edge Grove embraces the cultural differences of all of its families and pupils show a high level of respect for each other.

"In today’s world, it is vitally important that we play a part in fostering cultural awareness and ensuring that the values of open mindedness, kindness and respect continue to underpin our school community."

Making history as the first female head since the school was first established in 1935, Miss McDonald also joins the community as Edge Grove celebrates its 20 year anniversary since the first girls were welcomed through the school gates back in 2000.

Born in Glasgow, Miss McDonald gained a law degree from Aberdeen University and worked in law before switching to teaching, where she was most recently deputy head at the British International School in New York.