New primary head teachers

The head teachers of two States primary schools will be moving this year to fill posts that have been left vacant by retirements.

 

Kate Sugden, currently head teacher at St Saviour’s School, will transfer to First Tower School at Easter to take over from Di Hooper, who is retiring after six years in the role. She was previously head teacher at St Martin’s school for six years.

 

The head teacher of JCG Prep, Andrew Willis, will lead Samares School from September 2013. He succeeds Isobel Wood, who has been head teacher there since April 2005 and was also head at Springfield school for four years.

 

Director of Education Mario Lundy said “We are delighted that two of our experienced head teachers have decided to move within the service. They bring considerable skills to their new roles and their appointments will ensure that the excellent work already taking place in both schools will continue.”

 

 

There will also be vacancies at other States primary schools in 2013 and these posts are likely to be filled by local teachers.

Mr Lundy added “We have worked hard to develop succession planning in our schools and have a robust system. This means we are fortunate to have a number of strong candidates who will have an opportunity to compete for the headship positions. We fully expect to fill the posts from within our existing teaching staff.”

 

As well as the vacancies at St Saviour’s School and JCG Prep, positions will become available at Les Landes and Mont Nicolle schools, where two of Jersey's longest serving head teachers have reached retirement. Mary Bannier will be leaving Les Landes at the end of the summer term after nearly 12 years in the post.  Mont Nicolle head Colin Masterman has retired after 10 years leading the St Brelade school.

 

“Primary schools are a very important part of our communities and the head teachers have a vital role in shaping the lives of our youngest children. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the four heads who are retiring for their years of dedicated service.”