Professor Maggie Atkinson is the new chair of the London cultural education organisation, A New Direction.
Dr Atkinson, 59, is the outgoing Children’s Commissioner for England, a position she has held since March 2010.
A New Direction are funded by arts council England and promote practical ways that schools can develop cultural opportunities and campaign for the value of arts and culture in education.
Joining the organisation following a 36-year career working with children and young people, she said: “London’s children and young people live and learn in one of the world’s most vibrant and cultured cities, and London is their city – its history, artistic assets and activities are theirs to enjoy.
“I look forward to chairing the board so the organisation – and thereby London’s children and young people – flourish.”
Following training for her post graduate certificate in education (PGCE) at Sheffield University, Dr Atkinson taught English and drama at Hungerhill School, Doncaster, before moving to Birkdale High School, Dewsbury, where she was head of English.
Stowmarket high school in Suffolk, has appointed Dave Lee-Allan as the school’s new headteacher.
Mr Lee-Allan takes over following the retirement of the Keith Penn who leaves after eight years’ service.
“I have worked in Suffolk before, I know the scene and what is working well there so when the opportunity came to work there I was really excited,” said Mr Lee-Allan.
“The school itself has enormous strength and Keith Penn has done some great work but there is this next bit of work to be done and I just felt that I would have the ability to push them on to where they need to get to which is, in the first stage, a good from Ofsted.
“My immediate goals will also include delivering a sharper drive on teaching and learning and a more focussed approach to data and the interventions following the analysis of that data.”
Mr Lee-Allan was previously vice principal, later acting principal, at Westbourne Academy near Ipswich and then interim principal at The Hathaway Academy in Grays, Essex.
In South Gloucestershire, Sir Bernard Lovell School (SBL) has appointed Rupert Maule as its new headteacher.
Mr Maule spent the past six years as deputy headteacher at Redland Green School in Bristol; before that he was assistant head at Downend School, also in Bristol.
He succeeds David Turrell, who retired at the end of last year after leading SBL for two decades.
Mr Maule says: “With the support of parents and the wider school community, it is clear that SBL has a very exciting and successful future ahead.
“I look forward to leading the school and helping it to fulfil its potential, ensuring that every student is inspired, challenged and supported to achieve more than they considered possible.”
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