THE appointment of a new headteacher is proving to be music to the ears of children at a North Yorkshire primary school.
Marie Mann has become the fulltime headteacher of Trinity Academy, in Richmond, after working at the school one day a week since September.
“When I had my interview the children were clearly passionate about music, they have several rock bands and a ukelele club,” she said. “They have also written songs around the school vision. As a musician myself, the children’s passion was infectious and I have already started a choir which had its debut performance at The Mayor’s Christmas Concert in Richmond.”
Mrs Mann wanted to be a teacher from being a child and started her career in York teaching in a city school.
She moved to Richmond 21 years ago and has worked in schools in the area including East Cowton, which, like Trinity, is also part of the Dales Academies Trust.
“I knew about Trinity as a local resident and I go to a local church which has links with the school,” she said.
“It is a really welcoming school and I am looking forward to working with the whole school community. The school has been on an impressive journey; the standard of education is exceptional which is reflected in the KS2 SATS results.
“There is such a calm atmosphere around the whole setting and the care that pupils show for each other and their work is evident as soon as you step into the school.”
Dales Academies Trust CEO Damian Chubb said: “We are delighted to have appointed Mrs Mann, who has extensive experience leading thriving primary schools. We are confident she will build on the excellent progress made in recent years.
“Her musical expertise will be a real asset to staff and pupils, something already evident in the school’s contribution to the Mayor’s Christmas concert, strengthening Trinity Academy’s ties with the local community.”
Trinity Academy currently has 115 pupils on roll aged from two in the nursery to 11 in Year 6. Its current Ofsted rating is good, the SATs results are the highest on record and the multiplication check is above the national average.
It has a new art room and library and is renowned for its SEND provision, featuring The Nest, a KS1 and early years facility with specialist skilled staff who support children with additional needs, and a nurture room for KS2 children who find it difficult to study in the mornings.
Any children looking to start school in September is invited to visit Trinity. For more information visit www.trinityr.dalesmat.org or contact Mrs Middlemiss in the school office on (01748) 822104.