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The start of the new year will see two senior roles being filled by Northern Leaders Trust (NLT) as the board of trustees continues to pursue a dynamic improvement plan for the two Newcastle secondary schools under its management – the well-known Kenton School and Studio West, a specialist Studio School in West Denton.
Firstly, Lee Kirtley who joined the trust almost a year ago as executive principal, with responsibility for overseeing improvements across both academies, has been promoted to CEO, taking over from Ian Kershaw, who has led the trust as CEO for the last year.
During that time, Mr Kershaw rebranded the trust – formerly known as Kenton Schools Academy Trust – presided over the development and implementation of this new name and undertook widespread reorganisation of strategic and day-to-day operations to ensure a sound platform for continuing success, academic achievement, improvement and growth.
As a recent Ofsted inspection of Kenton School said:
“The arrival of new trust leadership has seen the rate of improvement gather pace. Leadership throughout the school has strengthened. Leaders are taking staff with them on the school’s improvement journey. Staff are proud to work at the school.”
With a background in school improvement, Kirtley is committed to creating a culture built around high expectations and, along with Kershaw, is widely credited with transforming the environment in Kenton School throughout 2022.
New principal for Kenton School
The trust has also appointed a new principal for Kenton School. Jason Holt, who takes up the post, is an English and literacy specialist. An experienced teacher, senior leader and education adviser with a keen interest in school improvement, he has led and supported school improvement in 22 schools across the country.
Jason Holt said:
“I am delighted to be joining Northern Leaders Trust at such a pivotal time in its development. I come well-equipped to continue the good work that has already begun following my last two years as an education adviser for a large multi academy trust where I have guided four schools out of special measures and helped a further four on their journey from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘good’ Ofsted judgments.
“A quality education has the power to break down barriers. Great teaching can genuinely provide young people with the means to radically improve their lives, and this is my commitment to all Kenton students.”
Kenton councillor, Stephen Lambert said:
”As a Kenton Community Governor and local ward councillor I’m looking forward to working with Jason, Kenton School’s newly appointed principal. He brings a wealth of experience both on the chalk-face and in strong and decisive leadership. Like the staff and governing body he is fully committed to raising standards across the School.”
Speaking about the two key appointments, chair of the board of trustees, Dr Thérèse Quincey, added:
“We now have a dynamic team of trustees, governors, and senior leaders in place to take the trust forward and I should like to thank everyone for their hard work throughout the last year.”
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