Children from Brackenbury Primary
Brackenbury Primary headteacher Dave Collins has been appointed to lead a new partnership of local primary schools.
The aim is for Brackenbury, Kenmont and Wendell Park schools to work together in sharing expertise and resources to provide a first-class education for all pupils.
This new collaboration between local primaries was welcomed by Cllr Larry Culhane, H&F Cabinet Member for Children and Education, who said: “After a tough year, it’s been great to see everyone back to school – especially new pupils, staff and teachers – working closely together to maximise opportunities for children.
“There’s so much expertise and experience in our schools and we’re determined to build strong collaborations between schools to develop both informal and formal partnerships that benefit our children’s education.”
Community approach
Dave was appointed headteacher at Brackenbury Primary in Hammersmith in 2016 after teaching in Hampshire for 15 years, including six years as a headteacher. He’s also served as interim executive headteacher across Bayonne Nursery and Melcombe Primary in Fulham and James Lee Nursery in Barons Court, which form The Thames Federation.
“I am excited to have been appointed to lead the partnership,” Dave said. “There are huge opportunities for the children and communities of each school that will enable us to work together and learn from each other.”
The appointment follows the retirement of executive headteacher Julie Howarth after seven years of leading Wendell Park in Shepherds Bush and Kenmont in College Park. Now, all three schools will work together while keeping separate governing bodies.
Charlotte Vidal-Hall, Chair of Governors at Brackenbury, said: “The governors at Brackenbury were unanimous in supporting this new partnership between the three schools. It will strengthen the quality of education we provide and create exciting opportunities for the staff and children at all three schools. We look forward to building a strong relationship with Kenmont and Wendell Park.”
Wendi Webber, Chair of Governors at Kenmont, added: “Bringing our schools together under Dave’s leadership will create many new opportunities for our children and staff through shared teaching, resources and professional dialogue. We are proud to be part of something new and exciting.”
Another new start
Meanwhile, the start of the Autumn term marks the first full academic year in charge for Anne-Marie Strachan, recently appointed as Executive Headteacher of the Thames Federation schools.
Anne-Marie’s arrival coincided with the establishment of a new governing body for all three schools – Bayonne, Melcombe and James Lee – that brings together a wide range of experience and ideas to work with the staff and families across the community of schools.
“Nothing is more rewarding than imparting knowledge and seeing pupils excel and achieve their full potential,” Anne-Marie said.
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