A NEW headteacher has been appointed at Ridgeway Secondary School.
Matthew Ball joined the school in 2019 as the deputy head and has spent the last year as acting and then interim headteacher.
After the news Ridgeway would begin to transfer to join the Shires Multi Academy Trust, the trustees were able to start the process of recruiting for a permanent Headteacher who would take the school forward on a journey of growth and improvement.
There were four candidates who faced the challenging two-day process where activities were assessed by pupils, staff, senior leaders and governors, supported by external advisors.
At the end of the process, Mr Ball was successful.
Claire Torrington, Chair of Trustees, said they were conscious that as soon as they were allowed to make the appointment, it would be the most important decision they could make for the school’s future.
“The key to our future growth and improvement was to recruit the best possible headteacher, one who could lead with our core school values and achieve the vision of growth and improvement for the school.”
Mr Ball has already driven and overseen a number of key improvements in the school and taken necessary tough decisions, over the short period that he has led the interim Senior Leadership team at Ridgeway Secondary School – ensuring the school was well placed for the rapid improvements needed.
Mr Ball said it was an honour to become Ridgeway’s new headteacher, adding he had loved every second as interim head.
“I was absolutely committed and driven to secure the permanent role.
“The interim leadership team has already done a tremendous job to bring the school to the position it is today and I hope to build on this in the future with a permanent team and ambitious plans for growth that will ensure that Ridgeway becomes the school that its students and community deserves.”
He thanked trustees, staff, parents, and carers for the warm welcome and support he had received so far in his interim role and said he was looking forward to the chance to introduce himself as the permanent head to the wider school community.
Ms Torrington added the board was certain he was the right person to build a strong team around him and drive high expectations and achieve rapid growth for the school.
“Matt will bring sharp professionalism to the role and the school and is keen to continue to improve curriculum offering, teaching and learning, and student behaviour.
“We wish Matt the best of luck in his new role and greatly look forward to seeing how this appointment will lead the school on its continual growth journey.”
