Super-head to work his magic

Neil Hutchinson

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A SUPER-HEAD has been appointed to help turn around failing Failsworth School following the sudden departure of his predecessor.

The Brierley Avenue secondary is also to become an academy, but no sponsor has yet been chosen.

Education watchdog Ofsted said on March 8 that the school was not doing enough to improve after it was classed as the bottom grade of inadequate in 2014 and placed in special measures.

Inspectors had visited the school in February to monitor its progress.

John Meagher announced his retirement as head teacher after 16 years on the last day of term before the Easter holidays.

Neil Hutchinson (56), an educational leadership consultant, has been appointed interim head teacher.

He has a record of being brought in to quickly turn around failing schools and will work closely with the interim executive board which replaced the governing body at Failsworth in December.

“On behalf of the school, staff and pupils I would like to thank John for all his efforts and wish him all the best for the future,” said Mr Hutchinson, who’s hobbies include magic and illusion.

The father-of-four, who is active in his local church, added: “I will be here on a short-term basis to steer the school through its next inspection and until the appointment of a new permanent headteacher.

“In line with government policy, I can confirm the school will become an academy but no sponsor has yet been chosen.”

Mr Hutchinson’s CV includes working with schools in Middlesex, Wales, Carlisle, Barnsley, Gloucestershire and Suffolk.

He expects a permanent head to be appointed at Failsworth by September.

He said: “In that short space of time the main challenges facing the school are remaining consistent and providing a good quality of education.

“What I can do is provide leadership and experience from schools in similar situations where I have got a track record of making making rapid changes.”

In a message to parents on the school’s website he says: “I can assure you that a seamless transition will ensure your child continues to receive the highest quality of education available, and that the school will improve consistently under my direction.

“We will achieve this by setting challenging targets based on the highest expectations and working collaboratively to achieve our goals.”