Gainsborough: Trent Valley Academy interim principal to be replaced

The interim principal of Trent Valley Academy is to be replaced, it has been announced.
Trent Valley Academy headteacher Fiona WaindeTrent Valley Academy headteacher Fiona Wainde
Trent Valley Academy headteacher Fiona Wainde

E-ACT, the charity which runs the academy, said Fiona Wainde would leave her post at the end of the school year.

The announcement was made to staff and parents yesterday (Tuesday).

A spokesman for E-ACT said that Mrs Wainde had been employed at the academy on a ‘short term basis’.

“As an interim appointment Mrs Wainde was employed on a short term basis to stabilise the academy and establish much-needed improvements,” she said.

“Under her leadership the academy has improved and we are confident that her work will lead to further improvements in this summer’s examination results.”

“As the Academy is making good progress we can now put in place more substantive leadership arrangements.”

E-ACT also thanked Mrs Wainde for her energy and commitment, and the positive difference she has made to the academy.

Mike Westerdale, currently principal at Parkwood Academy in Sheffield, will take over as executive principle at the academy in September.

Vicky Simcock, deputy principal of Parkwood Academy, will become TVA’s head of school

As head of school Mrs Simcock will lead on the day to day running of the academy, while Mr Westerdale will divide his time across both academies.

“Both Mr Westerdale and Mrs Simock are experienced leaders who together have led Parkwood E-ACT Academy on a similar journey of school improvement,” said the spokesman.

“Both are extremely excited to be joining TVA.”

“This arrangement will enable greater sharing of best practice across both Academies, working with staff to help secure educational excellence for all students,” she added.

The academy was rated as ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted when inspectors visited the school in May.

Inspectors said the school had ‘serious weakness’ highlighting problems with student attainment, attendance and teaching.

But there was praise for the interim principle, who inspectors said demonstrated a ‘strong, determined and focused vision for the academy’.

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