A free school in Radlett has named a new headteacher to take over the post with immediate effect.

The Harperbury Free School Trust has appointed Rachelle Regan as the new founding principal following a two day selection process last week.

Harperbury Free School was due to open last September in the former Harperbury Hospital in Harpers Lane.

Schools’ minister Lord Nash announced in February 2013 the Department for Education had failed to secure the site in time, meaning its opening would be delayed for a year.

However, The Education Funding Agency has announced last November it has secured the site from the Department of Health on behalf of the Harperbury Free School Trust within the grounds of the former Harperbury Hospital off Harper Lane.

Ms Regan was last year appointed as deputy head the trust. Clive Glover, vice-chair of governors said: “Rachelle Regan’s experience at STAGS, the outstanding local girls’ school and the work she did to help bring the LINKS Academy out of Special Measures alongside her obvious passion for our vision and ethos make her the perfect candidate to lead Harperbury to be the outstanding school this community deserves.”

“We are also pleased to be able to announce that Harperbury Free School and Watford Grammar School for Girls have agreed to work closely together in the future and that Dame Helen Hyde will act as Executive Head during Harperbury’s pre-opening period and its first term.”

The former head Martin Blain announced he was stepping down from the role days after the site was secured.

Sara L’efquihi, Chair of Governors added: “We are very much looking forward to being able to emulate Dame Helen’s enviable success in establishing the highest of standards in academic achievement and pastoral care with Ms Regan at the helm and Dame Helen herself on hand to support and guide us.”