NORTH WALSHAM HIGH SCHOOL APPOINTS NEW HEAD TEACHER

North Walsham High School has announced the appointment of its new head teacher.  Neil Powell, former principal of East Point Academy in Lowestoft, and currently principal of the Unity City Academy in Middlesbrough, is set to take up the role, which became vacant on the death of longstanding head teacher Caroline Brooker.

Mr Powell became a teacher after a career in the Armed Forces in which he worked in a number of roles, including as an officer in the Educational and Training Services.  He was a senior leader at Tendring Technology College, where he was part of a team that led the school to an OFSTED Outstanding status.

He then became the principal of East Point Academy in Lowestoft, where his work was instrumental in bringing the school out of Special Measures, before moving to take up the role of principal at his current school on Teesside.

Discussions are now underway with Mr Powell’s current school about when he will start as head at NWHS; it is hoped that he will take up his post before the end of the summer term.

NWHS chair of governors Alex Robinson commented, “There was considerable interest in this position, with applications from strong candidates from all over the country, as well as within the county.  After a rigorous two-day interview and assessment process, the governors were united in appointing Neil to the post.

“As the school moves towards participating in a new Multi Academy Trust (MAT), we face exciting times, and we are delighted to have appointed such an experienced leader to take the school forward.

“On behalf of the governors, I would like to say a big thank you to acting head teacher Ian Winter and the leadership team at the school, who have shown considerable hard work and dedication in leading the school since Mrs Brooker left on sick leave.”