A PRINCIPAL has been appointed to lead a new academy set to be formed after the merger of a private school and a state-run primary.
Consultations are currently under way on the proposed merger between the privately-run King's School and state-funded Priory Primary School in Tynemouth, North Tyneside.
Under the plan, a new academy called Kings Priory would be established. It would be free and will cater for 1,425 pupils aged from four to 19.
King’s officials say the partnership would protect the school’s future and help parents who are struggling to pay the £9,000-a-year fees.
They also say it would help improve education standards across the area.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the merger on other schools in the borough.
Both King’s and Priory Primary are working with the Department for Education and North Tyneside Council to carry out an impact analysis of the proposed partnership.
The final decision about the merger will be made by the Secretary of State after consultations are complete.
If approval is granted, the academy could open in September this year.
Meanwhile, the Woodard Academies Trust, sponsor of the proposed Kings Priory, has appointed David Dawes as principal designate of the new school.
The appointment was made following a rigorous recruitment process.
David Bilton, chief executive of the Trust, said: “Following the proposed merger, Kings Priory School will be a large school encompassing pupils aged four to 19.
“Bringing together two individual schools, with complementary but different cultures, will require particular skills and ability. The new principal will be the overarching leader of the entire school.
“We hope to be able to announce further senior appointments in the coming months. We anticipate that each of the two phases of the school will be led by an experienced, professional leader currently employed in the predecessor schools.
“The new staffing structure will obviously be subject to consultation under the Transfer of Undertakings and Protection of Employment legislation. Further details will be provided as soon as possible.”
