Great Torrington Junior School Calls in Help from Woolacombe Head Teacher

THE HEADTEACHER of one of Devon’s most successful primary schools is joining a North Devon junior school for the rest of the academic year to help raise standards.

The head of Woolacombe Primary, Sandy Brown, will be working alongside the existing staff at Great Torrington Junior School which is currently advertising for a new head.

Education experts from Devon County Council are already supporting the school with its improvement work.

Great Torrington’s deputy head, Ian Bartlett, and Chair of Governors, Tim Williams, said in a note to parents: “As part of this support, we can confirm that Sandy Brown has kindly agreed to join the school team for the remainder of this academic year to work alongside staff in order to secure the improvements required.

“Sandy will be with us from Monday (February 8) and will have the full support of pupils, staff and governors. We hope she will also enjoy your full support.”

Mr Bartlett and Mr Williams said Mrs Brown was an experienced and successful head.

Woolacombe’s last Ofsted report in June 2009 judged the school as outstanding.

The inspectors said: “Woolacombe is an exceptional school (and) a home for learning.

“The driving force behind the school’s success is undoubtedly the gifted and dedicated headteacher. She has led the school for a number of years with unflagging enthusiasm and determination."

Great Torrington made the news recently when it set up a dedicated website as part of its recruitment drive for a new headteacher.

The school is not only using the website to advertise itself but also to describe the charms of North Devon.

The website contains a specially filmed video giving a virtual tour of the school accompanied by narration from pupils.

And there are links to local attractions as well as Devon beauty spots such as Dartmoor and Exmoor and the twin Atlantic and English Channel coasts.