ORMISTON Rivers Academy has announced the appointment of a new principal.

The secondary school in Southminster Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, has today (Monday, 26 August) announced the appointment of its new Principal, Joanne Williams.

Joanne will join the academy as principal at the start of the next academic year (September 2021), taking over from current principal Emma Baker who will begin a new headship at a secondary school overseas.

Joanne has worked in education for 25 years, 15 of which have been as a senior leader and the last five as a headteacher, including at Ortu Hassenbrook Academy in Stanford-le-Hope where she successfully led the school out of special measures.

Over the coming months, Joanne will be working closely with the current principal, the academy's senior leadership team, local governing body and sponsor Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) to ensure a smooth transition in September.

Jo Williams, incoming Principal, said: "I am thrilled to be taking on the new role as Principal of Ormiston Rivers Academy from September 2021. The academy has an excellent reputation for being a high-quality provider of education within the community and I share those same high expectations for students, staff and the wider school community as part of this new venture.

"I am very much looking forward to meeting and working closely with students, staff, parents and carers at the academy, as well as with the wider community, over the coming months."

Chair of Governors, Matthew Symons, said: "Ormiston Rivers Academy is a very special school and so I am delighted that we have appointed such a well-suited and experienced Principal to support our continued positive journey as an academy.

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"I know that staff, students and the wider school community alike are looking forward to working closely with Joanne Williams in the new role, as part of this exciting new chapter.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Principal, Emma Baker, for the outstanding contribution she has made to the academy during her time here.

"We are very grateful for all she has done, and wish her every success in her new role."