A Daventry academy has appointed a new secondary headteacher ahead of the start of the new school year next week.

E-ACT DSLV Academy has announced Rebecca Waterson will take charge of its secondary phase from the beginning of the new term, replacing Sarah Hadlow, who has stepped down after five years as headteacher.

It comes after another E-ACT school in Daventry, Parker E-ACT Academy, also announced a change at the top ahead of the summer holidays.

Parker headteacher Maughan Johnson left the Ashby Road school to move on to “new opportunities”, with executive head Nina Smith taking over from September.

Rebecca has spent the past two years with E-ACT and is currently its director of teaching and learning, working across the trust to strengthen teaching, support professional development and share good practice.

Before joining E-ACT, she was senior vice principal at Brooke Weston Academy and has held a number of other senior leadership positions.

She said: “I’m delighted to be taking on the role of headteacher at E-ACT DSLV Academy - Secondary.

“Being a headteacher is a great privilege - children have one chance at education, and every day counts.

“To have the opportunity to lead this school and work with this community is something I value enormously.”

Rebecca said one of her first priorities would be listening to students, parents, families and staff and getting to know the school community.

She added: “I know from my experience in schools the difference that great teaching, high expectations and strong relationships can make to young people.

“I’m excited to build on the strong foundations already in place and to work together to ensure every student has the opportunities and education they deserve.”

Sarah Hadlow has been part of the DSLV community for several years and led its secondary phase for the past five. E-ACT said she was moving on to new opportunities with the trust’s support.

Marcus Shepherd, regional director at E-ACT, thanked Sarah for her contribution and said Rebecca brought “a huge amount of experience” in school leadership, teaching and learning.

He added that Rebecca already knows the Daventry area and E-ACT community through her work across the trust’s academies.