14 November 2007
The City of London Academy Islington appoints new Principal to
lead Academy transition
The City of London Academy Islington has appointed a new
Principal. Ann Palmer, currently head of Eastlea Community School,
in Newham LEA, will take up the post in 2008. Islington Green
School will become the City of London Academy - Islington in
September 2008.
Ann has been at Eastlea Community School since September 1999
where she began as the deputy head before progressing to principal
in 2003. This year’s OFSTED inspection saw Eastlea Community School
achieve ‘Outstanding' in every category (including Teaching and
Learning) and ‘Outstanding' overall.
Ann is a qualified School Improvement Partner (SIP) and, in this
capacity, works for the Department of Children, Schools and
Families with two existing academies. She has also worked with the
REACH group (within the Department for Communities and Local
Government) on how to raise black boys’ achievement. Ann will be
tasked with leading the successful transition of the School into an
Academy.
Richard Regan, chair designate of the board of governors of the
City of London Academy - Islington, says: “Ann’s experience of
specialist and academy schools, coupled with her outstanding
ability to motivate and inspire pupils and teachers alike, made her
the natural choice to lead the City of London Academy - Islington.
We look forward to supporting Ann as she takes up the reigns of one
of the capital’s most exciting new schools.”
Ann was selected for her leadership qualities as well as her
experience and emphasis on teaching and learning in order to enable
inner-city students to achieve. Her vision and values include a
commitment to working with the local community, encouraging pupils
to take part in activities which enhance community engagement and
improvement.
Ursula Woolley, Executive Member for Children and Young People
at Islington Council says: “The Academy at Islington Green is good
news for children and parents in the borough. I am delighted that
we have been able to appoint such an experienced and talented head
teacher and look forward to working with her in making the Academy
a great school.“
The City of London Academy - Islington is sponsored by City
University London and The City of London Corporation. Ann will
replace Chris Walford, who is leading the School on an interim
basis when it becomes an Academy in September 2008.
Ann says: “I am passionate about academies and feel that they
can give inner-city children the help and support they deserve to
reach their full potential. I aim to make the City of London
Academy a school that Islington can be proud of, both in terms of
what we will hope to achieve academically and also in our work with
the local community.”
Ends
Press queries to Cubby Fox at the City of London press office on
020 7332 3451.