Thanks to Andrew for sharing this latest news from Cowes Enterprise College.
A highly successful school leader has been appointed by Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) as its Director for the South Region. Ben Parnell – described by Schools Minister Lord Nash as ‘exceptional’ – will take up the post after the Easter break, working with Principal John Peckham at Cowes Enterprise College amongst others in the wider area.
Mr Parnell brings with him an impressive set of credentials, across a wide range of schools. He was recognised by Lord Nash following his headship of a school in Swindon, which achieved one of the highest improvement in examination results of any school in the UK.
Fast progression to senior leadership
Mr Parnell started his career as a Geography teacher in Cornwall and quickly progressed to senior leadership roles taking on responsibilities for curriculum and teaching and learning. In coastal areas he has taken a number of schools from ‘special measures’ to ‘good’ as rated by Ofsted.
Most recently he has been working in an inner-city London academy which he has quickly turned around with achievement of 5 A*- C GCSEs increasing by 8% in just two terms. He is a regular to national education debates with Pixl, the largest partnership network of schools in England and Wales, and has also appeared as a guest speaker at the National Schools Commissioner’s ‘race to outstanding’ challenge.
An asset to the leadership team
Mr Parnell’s excellent track record will further strengthen OAT’s leadership team, and will be targeted to support, challenge and expand OAT’s network in the South, helping academies on their journey towards outstanding.
New Ormiston Academies Trust Director for the South Region, Ben Parnell, said:
“I am thrilled at the opportunity to play a role in shaping the education of thousands of young people, working with academies across the region to ensure students reach their full potential.
“I admire the ethos and determination of OAT and look forward to joining the leadership team to do my bit to ensure we are the Trust that makes the biggest difference.”
Ben’s outstanding record speaks for itself
Ormiston Academies Trust Chief Executive, Toby Salt, added:
“We know that to deliver the best for our students, we need to have the best leaders in place.
“We are delighted to welcome Ben to OAT and to our Senior Leadership Team and his experience and outstanding record speaks for itself. I am looking forward to working with Ben as we further develop the work we do in the region and support our academies to flourish.”
