Abingdon schools name new headteachers

Fitzharrys and John Mason schools (JMS), which are both run by Abingdon Learning Trust, have named their new leaders following a restructure.

Sarah Brinkley, who is currently head at the latter, will step up to become executive headteacher of the trust as well as director of secondary education.

Mrs Brinkley has been headteacher at JMS since September 2015, and led it through a successful Ofsted last year.

Of her new position, she said: "I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to continue to serve the Abingdon community in this way, it is a real privilege.

"Having lived in the town since 1998, I have seen what Abingdon and the surrounding areas have to offer future generations.

"It is an area rich in employment and educational possibility."

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She said working across the two schools makes 'perfect sense', adding: "The opportunities for partnership, collaboration and development together are exciting and beneficial for our children and families."

Adrian Rees will take on the role as head of school at John Mason School from Easter.

The father-of-four said he felt 'immensely proud' and excited to build on Mrs Brinkley's work, utilising more than 25 years of teaching and leadership experience in schools across the county.

He added: "I understand the power of education and that every parent wants the very best for their child - it is one of the most important gifts we can give.

"My aim is to lead our team to develop lively, enquiring, young minds, to stimulate curiosity, to sustain motivation in a culture of high expectations."

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Will Speke has been appointed as head of school at Fitzharrys, taking over from current head Jonathan Dennett from September.

Mr Dennett, meanwhile, will move to neighbouring Larkmead School - also in Abingdon - to become headteacher there in place of current head Chris Harris.

Mr Speke said: "I am really excited and proud to be taking on the role of head of school.

"I have worked at Fitzharrys for seven years now, and I know that Fitzharrys is a great school with brilliant staff and students.

"I am looking forward to leading the school in the next stages of its development."

Abingdon Learning Trust runs Fitzharrys and JMS as well as Rush Common School, also in the town.

The multi-academy trust's chief executive Fiona Hammans said: "Ambition and opportunity are two of Abingdon Learning Trust’s key values, and the appointment of three colleagues to promoted posts within the trust bears out our ambition for our staff, as well as for our pupils and students.

"I am delighted that we have been able to retain the high quality professional talents of Sarah, Will and Adrian, who will bring their own style of leadership to the two schools in their new posts."