A new headteacher has been appointed at Trinity Academy Richmond.
The appointment of Carys Barnett comes after previous head Kathryn Williamson left the school in December to become an Ofsted inspector.
To help cover the gap between her departure and the appointment of a new head, Simon Robson operated as an executive headteacher across two schools.
He will be returning to his full time position in September.
Carys , who grew up in Richmond before her family relocated when she was five, is returning to her hometown after helping to run schools in the south west.
School leaders say Mrs Barnett has been part of the leadership team of four schools, all of which saw their outcomes improve and, where inspections took place, their Ofsted ratings strengthen.
Carys said: “This really is like returning home for me and my husband. We both grew up in the area and still have family and friends here.
“In fact, my Dad remembers walking me past the school when I was really little. It was an amazing moment to tell him that I am now returning to be the headteacher.
“The past, however, is just part of the story of what attracted me to this post. Trinity Academy Richmond is a great school, but one I also know that we can make even better. I can’t wait to start working with the whole community to ensure that our school is a place that everyone is incredibly proud to be part of.”
Trinity Academy Richmond is part of the Dales Academies Trust, a family of 14 schools that are spread across North Yorkshire and the Stockton Borough Council area.
Dales Academies Trust CEO, Damian Chubb said: “Finding the right Headteacher for Trinity Academy Richmond was of vital importance.
“We needed to find someone who wasn’t just a fantastic educationalist to make positive changes, but an individual who really had community spirit at their heart.
“What impressed us throughout the interview process was not only the educational improvements that Carys has helped to lead, but also the fact that all of her schools received amazing feedback from parents. Building relationships really is Mrs Barnett’s strength.”
“I firmly believe that this is a fantastic appointment, and I can’t wait to start to see what we can all collectively achieve for the brilliant children of Trinity Academy.”
