Last updated at 17:08, Friday, 01 February 2013

MILLOM School head-teacher Ian Smith has been appointed as a ‘super-head’ to oversee the future running of two schools.

SUPER Millom School head Ian Smith who will oversee two schools Howard Shimmin

Mr Smith was appointed as executive head of St Benedict’s Catholic High School, in Whitehaven, in May last year, on a temporary basis.

And both Millom School and St Benedict’s governors have now decided to prolong the scheme, after its initial success.

The decision means Mr Smith will continue to oversee both schools, as executive headteacher.

Both Millom School and St Benedict’s will have ‘heads of school’, who are responsible for the day-to-day running of each site.

Speaking to the Evening Mail previously, Mr Smith said his move was testament to the quality of leadership in place at Millom School.

He said: “In some ways this is recognition of the progress Millom School has made.

“The strategic leadership of the school and the vision for the school is secure.”

Professor Colin Richards, chair of governors at Millom School, said the future partnership between the two schools promises to be ‘an exciting one’.

He said: “The governors of Millom School have been very pleased and proud of the school’s achievements over the last few years.

“Its great progress has been down to the efforts of all the staff, students and parents, but a crucially important part has been played by the senior leadership of the school.

“As the body legally responsible for the strategic oversight of the school, the governors want to secure the quality of that leadership in this period of great change in the education system.

“After a great deal of discussion they have concluded that this would be best secured by seeking a formal partnership with St Benedict’s School in Whitehaven.

“This would involve each school retaining its separate identity and governing body.

“But there would be a new leadership structure involving an executive headteacher responsible for the strategic development of both schools and two “heads of school”, one on each site, responsible for day-to-day management and leadership.

“Such a partnership would offer enhanced opportunities for the students and more opportunities for the professional development of the teachers.

“The governors of both schools have decided in principle to seek a formal partnership with the support of the Local Authority.

“However, there are a multitude of practical matters to sort out before a formal agreement could be confirmed.”

First published at 16:41, Friday, 01 February 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk