Headteacher appointed for the amalgamation of Cuckoo and Woodpecker Hall Academies

Nicky Ross appointed Headteacher for the amalgamated school at Cuckoo Hall and Woodpecker Hall Academies

I am delighted to be able to tell you that Nicky Ross, currently the Headteacher of Cuckoo Hall Academy and the Leader of Primary Education for the Trust, has been appointed as the Headteacher of the new school that will be formed from the amalgamation of Cuckoo Hall and Woodpecker Hall Academies.

Nicky said:

“I'm really looking forward to working across both schools with a very skilled leadership team. We will build on current successes and move forward together with a clear focus on our pupils and community.”

“The amalgamation of both schools brings opportunities for us to learn from each other, improve on our curriculum and enhance our provision. The Senior Leadership Team and I are committed to all children and families in both schools and will work with the community throughout the amalgamation process.”

Nicky has over 20 years’ experience of leading, transforming and improving challenging and culturally diverse primary schools.

During her time at Hazelwood, she took the two large schools under her charge from ‘Requires Improvement’ to a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted in July 2014, and then onto an ‘Outstanding’ inspection from the Local Authority. At Cuckoo Hall she has led the turnaround of the school over the past two years and has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for her work in improving teaching and learning.

Previously Deputy Headteacher at Chase Side Primary School, Nicky has also held senior positions at The Woodside School and Highlands Primary School in Ilford.

Marino Charalambous, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Trust that runs the family of schools that includes Cuckoo and Woodpecker Hall Academies said:

“Nicky Ross is a very experienced Headteacher with a strong track record of success. Under her leadership, she will now take the schools forward to ensure we have a successful amalgamation. Nicky impressed the interview panel with her ideas and plans for the future and her passion and commitment to creating a great school for the children and the community we serve.”

“We are now in the process of appointing the new leadership team across the amalgamated school and expect this to be completed shortly.”

“I would like to thank Sharon Parson for all her hard work over the past two years at Woodpecker Hall Academy. I know she will be missed by staff, parents and especially the children. We wish Sharon the very best in the future. I know she plans to send a personal message to families in her next newsletter.”

Please note that your child will continue to attend either Cuckoo Hall or Woodpecker Hall as usual. When we get to the stage of making better use of the buildings in both schools, different classrooms and study areas may be used. Over the next 12 months, as a family, you will notice minimal changes as the schools come together. We will, of course, keep you regularly updated with news about the amalgamation.

If parents and families have any specific questions, they can also ask us a question about the amalgamation by emailing [email protected]

Read the full letter here.