Search goes on for new headteacher

The search has resumed for the next headteacher of Fylde's biggest school.
Lytham St Annes Technology and Performing Arts College headteacher Phil WoodLytham St Annes Technology and Performing Arts College headteacher Phil Wood
Lytham St Annes Technology and Performing Arts College headteacher Phil Wood

The governors of Lytham St Annes Technology and Performing Arts College announced via current head Phil Wood’s end of summer term letter to parents in July that the post, from which Mr Wood is due to retire in December, was to be re-advertised.

Mr Wood, who has headed the school for 15 years, said in his letter that the decision had been taken ‘in the hope of getting a stronger field of candidates to pick from’, with governors’ chairman Dr David Swaffield, adding: “We received nine applications for the vacant post and decided to re-advertise.

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“We hope to be more successful and to be able to make an appointment in time for someone to start in January.”

The ad, which has appeared this week in education media, says that the school “is seeking to appoint an exceptional headteacher to lead our vibrant, inclusive and high achieving school”, adding: “The Governors expect to employ an experienced teacher and leader who can demonstrate the impact of her/his dynamic and innovative leadership and who has business acumen/skills, to take up the post in January 2018.”

Closing date for applications in Thursday, September 14, with interviews to be held on September 27 and 28.

The Ansdell-based school, which has more than 1,400 students, gained a ‘good’ inspection from Ofsted earlier this year.

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Mr Wood’s departure will come nine months before the school reverts to accommodating students aged from 11 to 16 only, with its sixth form to be discontinued for budget reasons once the current Year 13 students complete their studies next summer. But Mr Wood has said his decision to stand down is not connected to that change in the structure.