The man at the helm of Bury St Edmunds’ newest secondary school has hailed the calibre of his teaching staff after making several key appointments.
Six months before Sybil Andrews Academy opens its doors to students, Andy Prestoe has expressed his delight at how the recruitment drive for the new school has gone.
In addition to around 200 students taking their place at the school on Bury St Edmunds’ Moreton Hall estate, two vice-principals and all heads of department and Key Stage have been put in place.
Mr Prestoe said: “We have had great interest in the vacancies and we now have some fantastic teaching staff on board.
“The new staff are all very excited by the project and committed to wanting to do their best for students in Bury St Edmunds.
“There is an opportunity for all the different heads of department, and all staff, to help shape the future of a brand new school.”
Mr Prestoe admitted that some parents were concerned a new school – which comes under the banner of the Samuel Ward Academy Trust – might struggle with recruitment.
But he revealed: “We have ended up with a huge number of applications – even in subjects like maths and science which has a national shortage. This has enabled us to be in a wonderful position when it comes to appointing.
“I also think the positive reputation of the Samuel Ward Academy Trust has played a part in attracting such a high calibre of applicants.
“We want Sybil Andrews Academy to share the same vision as the entire Trust – that it is not just about high academic outcomes but developing the whole pupil.
“Every single staff member is committed to building powerful relationships and excellent outcomes.”
Mr Prestoe said staff at Sybil Andrews were already working with neighbouring primary and middle schools to ensure the curriculum was linked up.
With transition days planned for June and July, and the funding agreement for Samuel Ward Academy Trust signed off by the Department for Education, Mr Prestoe said he was excited about the challenge of leading a new school.
He said: “We have received a very positive response from neighbouring schools and the teaching profession and the parents have been equally supportive.
“We want to create an outstanding school that parents and students in Bury St Edmunds can be proud of. That is a challenge but one I feel confident about and one that I relish.”
About Samuel Ward Academy Trust:
* The Samuel Ward Academy Trust is a partnership of schools located on the Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire borders, which share the same values and are geographically close enough to support and challenge each other.
* It currently comprises of Samuel Ward Academy, Churchill School, Coupals Primary Academy, Westfield Primary Academy, Glemsford Primary Academy, Thomas Gainsborough School in Great Cornard, Newmarket Academy and the soon-to-be-opened Sybil Andrews Academy in Bury St Edmunds.
