Matt Alcock has been appointed head of Woodthorne Primary in Wolverhampton. He previously worked at nearby Oxley Primary, starting out as an assistant teacher, moving on to become an advanced skills teacher, then deputy head and finally the school’s head.

Julie Carroll has become head of Low Hill Nursery in Wolverhampton, having served as acting head at the school for an extended period. Prior to that, she was the school’s deputy. Before working at Low Hill, she taught at Windsor Nursery, which is also in Wolverhampton.

The Association for Science Education has a new chief executive. Annette Smith was previously director of regions at the British Science Association and has also worked in industry, adult and further education, and as a secondary science teacher.

After 27 years as head of Butlers Court Primary School in Beaconsfield, James Astbury is to retire. His lengthy service has been recognised by the Queen, who has invited him for tea at Buckingham Palace. Mr Astbury previously taught in the Bahamas and is only the school’s second head.

Vicky Dassoulas has been appointed head of Anagh Coar Primary on the Isle of Man, having served as the school’s acting head since September 2008. She has taught for more than 30 years, not just on the island but also in Greece. She replaces Jo Richardson, who took on the headship of Onchan Primary, also on the island, in September 2008.

Haringey Council’s new school, Heartlands High, has appointed Simon Garrill its head. He will join the north London school in September before its opening the following academic year. He is currently deputy head of nearby Haverstock School in Chalk Farm, Camden, and has also worked at schools in Hertfordshire.

Doncaster Council has appointed Gareth Williams its director of children’s services. He joins the council on a six-month secondment, and will also continue in his role as Leicestershire’s director of children’s services. His appointment is an attempt by the council to address “serious weaknesses” which were found by inspectors from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Peter Limb retires this week as head of The Kingswinford School in Dudley, where he also taught maths. He is taking early retirement and will be replaced by Darren Francis, head of nearby Crestwood School.

Barbara Hall has retired from Sandon Business and Enterprise College in Meir, Staffordshire, where she was headteacher. She delayed her departure to oversee the school’s Pounds 17 million Building Schools for the Future project. The new school opened last year. A replacement has yet to be appointed for Ms Hall, who had a 24-year teaching career.