Winsford Academy's new principal promises improvements

Emma McLaren has been confirmed as the new principal of Winsford Academy, part of the Fallibroome Trust.

Her appointment comes after former principal Laura Halsall did not return to the role after taking a leave of absence on medical grounds.

Ahead of the new school year, Ms McLaren has promised ‘rapid and sustainable’ improvements to educational standards.

She said: “Winsford deserves a school that is automatically the first choice for young people locally, and from my initial work with the team here and with The Fallibroome Trust I can see we absolutely have that potential.

"There are solid foundations in place for us to build upon.

“From day one the leadership team and I will be around school, supporting students and supporting staff in classrooms.

"We plan to hit the ground running and I want everyone to see an immediate and positive difference that builds on all aspects of academy life.”

Winsford Academy (Image: Google Maps) Ms McLaren, arrives at Winsford Academy having most recently been a senior vice principal at the 1,250-pupil Manchester Enterprise Academy in Wythenshawe.

During a 15-year career which began as a maths teacher, Ms McLaren has led at a senior level since 2012, receiving four promotions based on sustained and improved teaching and learning, behaviour, culture, staff development and communication.

She will be supported at Winsford by a strong senior team, including Louisa Rogers as vice principal leading on excellence in the classroom, and Sean Latham as vice principal leading on pupils’ pastoral development.

Mr Latham’s initial priorities will be on making further improvements to systems that promote positive behaviour and working to support families to improve attendance.

Students will have staggered starts to the first week of school, with new year 7s and year 11s returning for their GCSE year starting on Wednesday, September 4.

Other year groups will then return on Thursday, September 5.

All staff are in school for training today (September 2) and tomorrow, with sessions planned on improving attendance, behaviour expectations and classroom excellence.

Ms McLaren added: “In the first term I have introduced additional opportunities for parents and carers to come into school so we can further strengthen our partnerships with families.

“We all want a successful school that we can be proud of, and by working together that’s exactly what we’ll get.”

Prospective families will also be able to meet Ms McLaren and the senior team at Winsford Academy Open Evening on Thursday, October 3.