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Star heads to help struggling schools

Bethan Dorsett
11/ 7/2008

Five Trafford headteachers are to play a key role in getting struggling schools back on track.

John Cornally, Dana Ross-Wawrzynski, Ray Howell, Jo Appleyard and Derek Davies were among 61 heads across the country to be named national leaders of education this week.

They will provide a range of support to failing schools, such as coaching, and may even take on leadership roles there in certain cases.

The five travelled to Whitehall on Wednesday to meet the minister for schools and learners, Jim Knight, to chat about their new roles on behalf of the National College for School Leadership.

Mr Cornally runs Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College, Altrincham, which was recently judged ‘outstanding’ in every area by watchdog Ofsted.

He said: "We are delighted to have been given a further recognition of our excellent work by the National College and the government. We will be pleased to share our expertise."

Mrs Ross-Wawrzynski, headteacher at Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, welcomed the new challenge, which she said was the result of a successful partnership with other schools. "We have learned and grown through this collaboration and our capacity has increased immeasurably," she said.

"We look forward to sharing and utilising this capacity in support of others in their drive to raise standards in our schools." Like Blessed Thomas, Wellacre Technology College has won the praise of Ofsted inspectors who, in a recent report, described it as an "outstanding and happy school".

It is also preparing to open a new £7 million sixth-form department.

Headteacher Ray Howell said his membership on the board was another boost following what he called the "most successful year in the school’s history".

"This latest accolade is further recognition of the school’s standing both regionally and nationally," he said.

Jo Appleyard, headteacher of Elmridge Primary School, is also taking part in the scheme.

She said: "I’m delighted that the strengths of the school community have been recognised.

"The staff are exceptional, a fantastic team. With great support from the governing body and parents we are always striving to give the pupils the best."

Derek Davies, the headteacher of Stretford High School, said: "I am absolutely delighted to be part of this national scheme, not just for myself but for the school.

"It’s a great opportunity to share good practice."

There are 181 national leaders of education in the UK, part of a government strategy to reverse failing schools’ fortunes.

More than 30,000 children nationwide have benefited from the scheme to date.