A NEWLY appointed head of school has returned to his native North East with a pledge to give pupils an outstanding education.
Former head teacher at Newlands Academy, London, Andrew Ramsey has taken over the reins at St Michael’s Catholic Academy, Billingham.
The school, which was given notice to improve in April 2012, has undergone a series of radical changes including joining the prestigious Carmel Education Trust.
With a new dedicated team of teachers and leaders, new facilities, new uniform and new name it is now part of the multi-academy Carmel Education Trust alongside Holy Family RC Primary School, St Augustine’s RC Primary School, St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School and St Bede’s Catholic Academy, led by Carmel College, Darlington.
“This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of St Michael’s,” said Mr Ramsey, 50, who originates from Consett, County Durham.
“Being part of the Carmel Education Trust not only marks a new start for the academy but also for myself and I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the warmth of welcome I have received from students, staff and the local community.”
Graduating from Surrey University, with a BA Hons in music and piano performance, Mr Ramsey was appointed as music teacher at Westminster Cathedral where he worked for six years, accompanying musical tours across Europe and America.
Following a year living and playing music in Italy, Mr Ramsey returned to the UK to train as a teacher for children with special needs before taking up a position at a school in Walthamstow, working with children with visual impairment.
He was director of public performances at Carmel College, Darlington, between 1995 and 2001.
Returning to London in 2001, he was appointed assistant head at Christ School, Richmond-on-Thames. He then took up the position of deputy head at Cardinal Hinsley High School, Harlesden, North West London, before his first headship at Newlands Academy, South London.
Mr Ramsey said: “I’ve always had a belief in respect and compassion and giving students the opportunity to achieve their very best. It is vital to make sure that every pupil leaves school equipped for the future as a well-rounded individual.”
With family ties in the region the move back to the North East and St Michael’s Academy was an easy decison.
“I always knew I’d eventually return home,” said Mr Ramsey. “There was always a pull to the area where I grew up, where I got my understanding of life from honest North East values.
“Here at St Michael’s we also have distinct values and a great partnership with our local community, families, students and staff.
“The Carmel Education Trust stands for shaping the future, fulfilling dreams and being part of a strong community with values of integrity.”
As well as celebrating the achievements of St Michael’s over the past 50 years Mr Ramsey is also aware that now it is time to build a new future of hope and aspiration.
“‘For all that there has been, thanks, and for all that there will be, yes’, this quote sums up St Michael’s for me.” said Mr Ramsey.
“Yes, the school has gone through a painful time recently but now we must build on its achievements and establish a new exciting future which puts the whole school community at its heart.
“I want to build positive and trusting relationships, which are essential for long-term growth and achievement, I want to ensure that every student’s needs are top priority so that they have the best outcome regardless of ability, I want to invest in our staff as a resource and develop them now and for the future and I want to embed the Christian ethos of the school into all our daily lives, values and aspirations.
“I definitely see my long-term future here at St Michael’s Academy, an academy that will be outstanding; that is the challenge but one I know that we can achieve.”
