Express & Star

New boss of Wolverhampton academy announced

A new boss will take over the reigns of a city school once its current principal steps down after eight years in post.

Published
Rod Hughes will join the academy next term

Rod Hughes will be called in as the new principal of Wolverhampton's Ormiston SWB Academy in three months' time.

He will take up the position at the start of the next academic year after reigning principal Kerry Inscker leaves following her stint at the academy.

Mr Hughes said: "It is a real honour to be joining the brilliant team at Ormiston SWB Academy, and to be staying in the OAT family network.

"I’m looking forward to working closely with staff, students, parents and the whole school community to build on the academy’s success and to ensure that it continues to strive to be outstanding in everything it does."

Mr Hughes will join the Bilston school from Stoke on Trent's Ormiston Horizon Academy, where he was principal for the past seven years and led his team through two 'good' Ofsted ratings.

He plans to 'work hard' to maintain high standards at the academy, and will work closely with senior leadership team, governors and the trust to drive improvements.

William Myers, chair of governors at the school, said he was 'delighted' Mr Hughes would be joining the Dudley Street academy in September.

He added: "Rod has high expectations for Ormiston SWB Academy, and very much shares our values and vision to provide all students with the very best education possible.

"We are confident that Rod is the right appointment for the role to continue to drive improvement at our academy and build on the strong foundations laid by Kerry Inscker – who we wish the very best of luck.”

Ormiston SWB Academy is sponsored by Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) and joined it last August.

Last year, 61 per cent of students achieved at least a Grade 4 in English and maths - a rise of 21 per cent from the previous year.

Robert Pritchard, regional director west for Ormiston Academies Trust, said: "It is fantastic news that Rod Hughes has been appointed at Principal of Ormiston SWB Academy.

"We have all seen first-hand Mr Hughes’ leadership and vision for Ormiston Horizon Academy which he has led to continued success, and I am looking forward to continuing to work closely with Rod as he joins the Ormiston West hub.

“I would also like to thank Mrs Inscker for all her hard work and commitment over the last seven years, and how central she has been in ensuring that Ormiston SWB Academy continues to be a fantastic school, providing high-quality education to its students.”