By Sarah Robinson

Last updated at 11:42, Thursday, 17 May 2012

RAISING standards at St Benedict’s School’s is the aim of its new headteacher.

Ian Smith, who is also the headteacher at Millom School, has replaced Ann Brook and will work as executive head of both schools.

The move follows St Benedict’s recent “inadequate” Ofsted report which placed it in special measures.

Mr Smith said: “I am honoured to be asked to become executive headteacher. I see is as an exciting challenge.”

He has been brought in to raise standards at the school having already turned around Millom School, which was also placed in special measures by Ofsted in 2007. The school is now “good with outstanding features”.

He said: “I hope that the experience as head of leading a school out of special measures will be sufficient to enable me to support the school. The first major milestone will be its first Ofsted monitoring visit which I anticipate will take place before the summer holiday.”

The announcement of Mr Smith’s appointment took place at a meeting at the school on Monday evening.

Father Matthew Carney, chair of governors, said: “After several years’ service to the school as deputy head and headteacher, Mrs Brook has decided that it is time to move on and allow the school to move in a new direction. Governors and staff wish her well for the future.”

Mrs Brook was head since March 2008 following nine years as deputy.

Fr Carney added: “Mr Smith said he will be spending the vast majority of his time at the St Benedict’s until December 31. During this time, the governors will be trying to find a permanent headteacher.”

At Monday’s meeting, parents raised issues about the school’s latest Ofsted report which deemed it “inadequate” in all aspects. Through The Whitehaven News Facebook site, parents say they are angry over the “petty rules” that they say have been imposed at the school which have detracted from bigger issues that need resolving. They say that a modern way of leadership needs to be brought in to ensure the standard of teaching improves.

A Twitter account – @stbenedictssch – has been set up for the school to improve communication with parents.

Mr Smith said: “I’m a firm believer in quick, effective and transparent communication with parents. Twitter is most people’s method of sending and receiving communication.”

Parents can also contact him though a feedback link on the school’s website.

Mr Smith said: “It is clear that St Benedict’s has a significant amount of potential but needs to improve outcomes for learners and rates of progress, particularly in English and maths. I should like to stress that although the report has only recently become public, the school has done a great deal already to address the key issues for action as set out in the inspection report.”

He said he is working with the Diocese, the governing body, the school’s senior and middle leaders, as well as the local authority, to ensure the plan is in place to accelerate progress and enable the school to begin its journey from special measures to satisfactory and, in the fullness of time, return the school to its right and proper status as a “good” school.

First published at 11:11, Thursday, 17 May 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk