A TEACHER who has witnessed first hand the transformation of Teesdale School from “poor” to “outstanding” has been appointed head of school.
Dan Pilling joined the school 14 years ago as PE teacher and has risen through the ranks. He takes over as head from Clare Ellis, who will work across the North East Learning Trust, which runs nine schools including Teesdale.
The school received a poor Ofsted report in 2015 but the slate was officially wiped clean after it joined the multi-academy trust in 2016. Teesdale Academy and Sixth Form has since been rated as “outstanding” .
Mr Pilling said: “The level of expertise at the top of the trust is staggering. It is a perfect position for me, despite any perceived pressures of the job.
“This place means a lot to me. The pupils are amazing, warm and friendly and they want to do well. Working at a smaller school means I can get to know everyone quickly. Since the trust came into the school, the students have been getting the education they deserve.
“I remember what Teesdale School was like ten years ago, and I have seen what it has become. The difference is remarkable.
“The perception of the school in the community has changed completely. What’s next for Teesdale School? We want to get even better.”
Mr Pilling, who lives in Sedgefield, joined Teesdale School after graduating from Durham University in 2006.
Before Teesdale, he taught outdoor education in a youth offending secure unit and worked in America for six years at a sports academy, coaching waterskiing, football and golf.
He’s still a keen five-a-side footballer and golfer in his spare time.
Mr Pilling went on to become head of year and assistant headteacher, before taking the top job at Teesdale.
Executive headteacher Dr Janice Gorlach said the learning trust is keen to develop talent from its own staff.
“If you don’t grow your own future leadership, it’s going to leave your school in a mess. If Mr Pilling had gone on to another school for a headship, we would have been equally as delighted for him. He has come through spectacularly at Teesdale.”
Dr Gorlach said the trust offers full support to its “young leaders” such as Mr Pilling.
She said: “Getting to ‘outstanding’ is just the first step for Teesdale School. Keeping it there takes work.”
Ms Ellis will still be based at Teesdale for two days a week, teaching sociology at A Level and providing support to Mr Pilling and the senior leadership team. Christopher Whitehead has been appointed as deputy head of school.
The school now hopes to build on its sixth form, hopefully offering more subjects in the future.
