New headteacher at Samuel Ward Academy in Haverhill sets out what he hopes to achieve
Striving for a ‘culture of excellence’, which includes a relaunch of the sixth form, are the priorities for a Haverhill school’s newly-appointed headteacher.
Having taken up post as interim head of Samuel Ward Academy at the start of this term following the departure of Andy Hunter after six years at the school, Tom Johnston is already in the process of implementing changes.
The changes include all 130 students at Haverhill Community Sixth Form (HCSF) - which is on the same site as the school - being given iPads this week, just one step in the plans to improve the sixth form.
Mr Johnston, whose was previously head at St Mary’s Catholic School in Bishop Stortford - which he left in the spring due to personal reasons - said: “One of my main priorities is to raise the profile of Haverhill Community Sixth Form.”
He continued: “Haverhill deserves to have a sixth form that fills the needs of the local community.
“We are here to serve the community. There is no need to travel to Cambridge or Bury because we have an excellent provision.”
Mr Johnston, who has worked in education for 23 years, is currently in the process of looking to create new academic pathways at the sixth form in order to have subject packages that ‘appeal to different demographics’ and has already appointed one of the assistant heads, Jo Wilson, to oversee HCSF.
More details on the HCSF relaunch will follow next month, said Mr Johnston, who went on to say: “By next September the sixth form building will be refreshed and modernised.
“The building will be repainted and carpeted and new learning zones will be created.
“I’m really keen for it to become a popular place where students want to come.”
His interim post runs until next April, when a permanent head will take over.
Although not keen to indicate if he will apply for that role, Mr Johnston did say how impressed he already is with Samuel Ward Academy.
“I’m really enjoying being part of the community. I’ve been made to feel really welcome.
“It’s a great school, a really lovely community, not just at Samuel Ward but across the town.
“Castle Manor Academy and the primary schools, whether Unity (Schools Partnership) or not, they’ve all been really welcoming and at the moment I’m visiting all the primary schools.”
Focusing on ensuring the outcomes for every student is ‘as good as it can be’, is also key for Mr Johnston.
He added: “We are really focusing on the quality of education in the classroom and the positive conduct around the school.”
His main priorities are, he said: “Making sure the teaching and learning is great and the behaviour is great and pushing the sixth form.”
The school is holding an open evening for prospective new students and their families on Thursday, October 17.
As a reader, we know the value you place on trusted local journalism. At SuffolkNews we are committed to delivering the very best coverage from communities right across the county, and we can only do this with the support of our readers. By becoming a subscriber you not only support us in this mission, you also unlock a whole host of benefits, including unlimited access to our ad-lite SuffolkNews website and digital editions of all our weekly newspapers. You can find out more about subscriptions here.
Use the promo code SteveBarton to get an annual subscription for less than £25 - we really appreciate your support. Thank you
