Three new principals for Northamptonshire primary academies

The Education Fellowship has appointed new principals for three of its primary academies in Northamptonshire.
Madeline Dunkley.Madeline Dunkley.
Madeline Dunkley.

Sarah Sears will become principal at Warwick Academy in Wellingborough, Kerry Mills has been appointed as principal at Risdene Academy in Rushden, while Madeline Dunckley is appointed principal at Thorplands Academy in Northampton.

Emily Bale, formerly a senior family support worker with Spurgeons at the Northampton North Children’s Centre, is appointed Thorplands academy nursery manager as of June 6.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lizzie Rowe, chief operating officer of The Education Fellowship, said: “It’s a time of change of leadership at a number of our primary academies in Northamptonshire as current principals change role gaining promotion and new opportunities within the Fellowship, and one leaves to travel abroad.

Kerry Mills.Kerry Mills.
Kerry Mills.

“I’m delighted to announce the following excellent appointments with effect from September 1.

“These appointments complete the changes at the top of the leadership teams in our Northamptonshire primary academies which began with Angela Watts’ appointment as Principal of Ruskin Academy, announced in March.

“Former Ruskin principal Kate French is the Fellowship’s first Lead for Inclusion, Welfare and SEND and this new role is already having impact on the Fellowship’s work with families, their children and the community.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“These primaries are all rapidly improving academies and our new principals will deliver the next level of successful leadership in each.

Sarah Sears.Sarah Sears.
Sarah Sears.

“They are all believers in success being driven by common purpose and commitment.

“They bring passion and are committed educators and strong communicators who will further develop the positive partnerships between parents, school and the community.

“They believe in the values of our Fellowship - integrity, embracing individuality and empowering the people around them.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Despite recent sweeping criticisms about the quality of education in Northamptonshire I hope these announcements will show, yet again, how individual providers are doing their utmost in the most challenging of times working to ensure a stronger rapidly-improving educational provision for the children in their schools.

Emily Bale.Emily Bale.
Emily Bale.

“I am certain that with this new leadership and their key advisory staff in place there is no limit to what we can achieve.”

Andrew Sears, currently principal at Risdene, is stepping down from his full-time role for personal reasons and will take on a new part-time position supporting the recently appointed principal at Ruskin Academy.

Angela Pratt, currently co-principal at Thorplands Academy, will add strength and support to our other new principals three days a week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sarah Sears, principal elect for Warwick Academy, said: “I am really excited about taking up the position of principal at Warwick Academy and working with the children, staff, parents and wider community to put Warwick Academy on the map.”

Kerry Mills.Kerry Mills.
Kerry Mills.

Kerry Mills, principal elect for Risdene Academy, said: “I am delighted and extremely proud to have been appointed as the principal of Risdene Academy.

“I see the opportunity to join The Education Fellowship as a real privilege and I am committed to delivering the very best education to all our pupils.

“I’m looking forward to working in close partnership with the pupils, staff, parents and the Fellowship to ensure our students are happy, successful and achieve the very highest standards.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Madeline Dunckley, principal elect for Thorplands Academy, said: “I’m very much looking forward to becoming the principal at Thorplands in September.

“It’s my aim to ensure all children have high quality educators, opportunities to access all areas of the curriculum and form fond memories of their time at Thorplands.”

Emily Bale, nursery manager for Thorplands Academy Nursery, said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed as the new manager of Thorplands Nursery.

Sarah Sears.Sarah Sears.
Sarah Sears.

“I’m looking forward to working with the team to provide positive outcomes for children, and developing the Nursery in line with the vision of The Fellowship and the local community need.

“I’m excited about incorporating an innovative and fresh approach to the leadership of the nursery, and I am both determined and motivated to have happy children, parents and staff.”

Related topics: