Head of Northampton school due to open in September quits

Andy Hardy was the ‘executive principal designate’ of Northampton International Academy, which will occupy the site behind the former Royal Mail depot in Barrack Road.

Appointed in August 2015 and starting the job in January this year, he has made the announcement just days before the first pupils arrive.

Duncan Mills, of EMLC Academy Trust, which will run the school, said: “Andy will be leaving us... due to a change in his personal circumstances.

“Andy would like to thank the EMLC Academy Trust for his time with them and extends his best wishes to everyone connected with Northampton International Academy at the start of its first academic year in September 2016.

“MLC Academy Trust would like to thank Andy for his contribution to the initial set up of Northampton International Academy and we wish him well for the future.”

Formerly the Principal at Barnfield West Academy in Luton, Mr Hardy was to lead the new all-through academy in Barrack Road which will educate 2,220 pupils aged between four and 19 years old.

It will begin with a single year-group of 11 and 12-year-olds in temporary buildings behind the former Royal Mail building, which is still being converted for use by future classes.

As an interim arrangement, the trust has enlisted Dr Peter Kent - Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby - to oversee matters as executive principal.

On a day-to-day basis, working with Dr Kent, the academy will be managed by Mr Roger Whittall.

Mr Mills said: “Whilst EMLC Academy Trust identifies a new principal, we are determined that the school will get off to the exciting and innovative start that has been planned and worked on for the last 12 months.”

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