Top head takes the reins at Ashington academy

Posted by The Journal on Apr 30, 09 04:55 PM in School news

A top headteacher has been appointed to take charge of a huge new school in Northumberland.

Phil Hearne, who will lead the joint primary and secondary school academy in Ashington, was the head of Edgware School in London when it became a city academy.

Phil Hearne will be headteacher of the new Hirst Academy

During his time there it was ranked "outstanding" by Ofsted.

In 2007, he became principal of Paddington Academy, also in London, and saw examination results improve significantly.

He will lead a school that is set to replace 10 first, middle and high schools in Ashington, Newbiggin and Lynemouth, and which is due to open in existing buildings this September.

The school will eventually be concentrated on five new buildings, with work on a ÃÂ£46m project due to finish in 2012.

The academy is being sponsored by the Church of England and the Duke of Northumberland, with a specialism of design and the built environment.

The Rt Rev Martin Wharton, Bishop of Newcastle, said: "I am delighted to learn of the appointment of Phil Hearne to our new Church of England academy and I look forward to working with him as he leads this unique school serving the children and young people of Ashington, Newbiggin and Lynemouth."

He was backed by the Duke of Northumberland, who said the sponsors were "very pleased to have secured such an able and experienced executive director and we look forward to the start of a new era for education in this part of the county."

Mr Hearne said: "I am so pleased to be given the opportunity to work with this academy.

"I look forward to building on the strengths of the staff, young people, families and community in order to create the successful and dynamic academy that the community deserves, and one that will serve the area well."

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