New Headteacher Appointed

The Learning Academy Partnership are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Edwards as the first Headteacher of St Michael’s Church of England Academy, a new nursery and primary school opening in Paignton in September 2020.

Mrs Edwards is an experienced Headteacher with over 20 years teaching experience in  Learning Academy Partnership schools. Mrs Edwards is also an Early Years Specialist Leader of Education, supporting Early Years provision in schools and nurseries across Torbay and the South West. 

Mrs Edwards is excited to be the founding headteacher of this new school and said:

“Having always lived and worked in Torbay, I am determined to ensure that children in Paignton are able to access a Learning Academy Partnership school with its exceptional academic provision. I strongly believe that every child deserves the very best education in order to secure a brilliant future for themselves. St Michael’s provides a truly unique and exciting opportunity to improve prospects for children locally and I am thrilled to have been appointed as the new school’s first Headteacher. 

I am passionate about all pupils achieving their potential, regardless of their starting points. Through positive relationships and recognising each child’s unique talent, we can support their learning and development through a stimulating high quality curriculum enriched by a first class learning environment to ensure that all our children have the best possible start to school and to life.”

St Michael’s Church of England Academy is the newest school  in the Learning Academy Partnership, a family of exceptional schools across Torbay and South Devon.  Mrs Edwards and staff at St Michael’s will be working together with leaders and teachers from across the Learning Academy Partnership, in partnership with parents, the Church and local community. Collectively we will Empower Excellence, to provide an inspirational  curriculum and rich experiences so that all children can achieve their potential. St Michael’s will work closely with and benefit from the  success of the Trust’s educational expertise and excellent provision. 

The Learning Academy Partnership is one of the highest performing Trusts in the country and has been in the Top 10 Trusts for the past two years for the progress that all pupils make. Particularly impressive is that the Trust is the Number One highest performing Trust in the country for securing the excellent achievement of disadvantaged pupils. The Trust delivers on its promise for every child to flourish.   Every child at St Michael’s will have that opportunity to flourish.

Mrs Atkinson, Chief Executive of the Learning Academy Partnership, said:

“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Edwards as the first Headteacher to St Michael’s, Church of England Academy, Paignton.  Mrs Edwards is an experienced leader within the Trust and both her excellent leadership skills and Early Years teaching expertise will ensure that St Michael’s is a truly outstanding school providing excellent care and rich curriculum experiences for all children. Establishing a brand new school is an incredibly exciting opportunity and I know that Mrs Edwards is very keen to establish relationships and work in partnership with parents, the church and local community. ”

St Michael’s Church of England Academy will be an inclusive and welcoming school community with a distinctively Christian ethos and identity, inclusive of all faiths or none. A clear Christian vision will enable all children  to flourish, underpinned by Christian values that develop strength of character; creating confident, resilient and independent pupils who make a positive contribution to the life of the school and wider community. 

If you are interested in a place for your child and have missed the first round of applications, it is still possible to apply for a place at St Michael’s in the second round in April/May 2020.  If you would like any further information please contact our Admissions Officer: admissions@lapsw.org  or telephone 01626 365293 in the first instance.  

New Headteacher Appointed