Robin joined as Principal in 2016 at a time when the school had experienced significant turbulence and had never received an Ofsted judgment higher than ‘Requires Improvement’. His vision and leadership have significantly and positively changed the culture and environment.
This is now a welcoming, inclusive and supportive school. Robin has created a collaborative ethos throughout, with a focus on developing good teaching and learning through focused staff CPD and building a varied curriculum. Some sixth formers have even benefited, thanks to Robin’s collaboration with the school’s sponsor, Haileybury, from trips to Uganda and Australia.
In 2022 the school was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted for the first time in its history, reflecting the progress made under Robin’s leadership. The school was praised for offering a wide, rich and ambitious curriculum, and for students with SEND being enabled to succeed.
Significant challenges have included staffing, budget, and inadequate buildings, but Robin has created a school of choice in the local community. Autumn 2023 is the second year to see full allocation of places.
