THE headteacher of Westonbirt School has been hailed as one of the best in the country.

Natasha Dangerfield, who took over the reins at the all-girls boarding school in January 2013, was handed a runners-up spot for Best Head of Public School in the prestigious Tatler Schools Awards.

Westonbirt School was the only school in the South West to pick up an award which was presented by Alice Rose, Tatler’s Schools Guide editor-at-large, and Celia Thursfield, Schools Guide deputy editor.

Mrs Dangerfield said the award was a huge fillip for the school and gave a flying start to the new academic year.

She said: “We constantly strive to achieve the best for our girls and this is very much a team effort.

“I am blessed with incredible support from the staff, governors, parents and students but this is only just the beginning. Great things are happening at Westonbirt.

“Competition is fierce in the South West so we’re delighted that Tatler has recognised Westonbirt in this way.”