THE team appointed to lead a dale secondary school has spoken about its hopes for the future after securing a grant of £250,000.
Staindrop Academy appointed Kelvin Simpson as headteacher and Paul Cowen as director at Easter when the former head moved on.
The decision was made by The Advance Learning Partnership, the academy trust which runs Staindrop School along with others in the county.
The trust says the move signals the intent for Staindrop to be a top school.
The leadership team has been given £250,000 by the trust to develop the infrastructure. The roof is undergoing significant repairs and the school says it is confident of opening a community gym on its site.
Mr Simpson said: “Staindrop and its surrounding villages deserve a school that meets their children’s aspirations and local needs. I am looking forward to enhancing the educational standards, opportunities and achievements of the school.”
Mr Simpson has 18 years of school leadership experience including being headteacher of Dene Community School, in Peterlee, and Parkside Academy, in Willington. During his time in charge, both schools were ranked the highest in County Durham for student progress.
Mr Cowen has been a headteacher in Sunderland for five years. He said of his move to Teesdale: “It is such a close community here – the members of staff live and breathe Teesdale and it is an incredible environment for pupils to learn in.”
Mr Simpson added: “Staindrop Academy has many strengths, including student leadership, academic outcomes, progression into higher education and an extensive enrichment programme.
“Through the fostering of relationships between parents, the communities of Staindrop and its surrounding villages, Staindrop Academy will develop the local and national leaders of tomorrow.”
An open evening will take place on September 26 for prospective parents.
