joy ballard - educating Cardiff - Ryde Academy Head

Watch new Ryde Academy principal on your TV screens: Here’s the trailer

In September, Ryde Academy will be welcoming a new principal to the school.

Joy Ballard will be taking the permanent spot from former controversial head, Dr Rory Fox. Many hope that Mrs Ballard brings more positive media attention to the school than he did.

Turned around failing school
You can get a flavour of Mrs Ballard’s leadership style on Channel 4 tonight (Tuesday) from 9pm, when her former school, Willows High School, is featured in a new series, Educating Cardiff.

When Mrs Ballard joined the school in 2011 it was a failing school that in the last four years, she’s led to success.

Welcome quotes from the Head
Channel 4 have put out a trailer (watch it below) that includes the head saying things that will be music to many parents and children on the Island

“I think an education should give every child a chance.”

“I don’t think that it’s fair that your postcode could determine your life chances”

“When a child makes it against the odds, it’s the most rewarding thing of all.”

The trailer

Find out more
You can read an interview with Mrs Ballard on the Channel4 Website.

Don’t forget to tune in at 9pm tonight (Tuesday).

Image: © Channel4