Introducing our new headteacher for Chesterton Primary School, Libby Pringle

 

Over two days Tuesday 1 March and Thursday 10 March 2022 Chiquita Henson, Chief Executive, Chair of Chesterton Primary School’s local governing body, Anne Stokes, school staff and pupils met with four candidates for the post of headteacher at Chesterton Primary School.

 

As a part of our rigorous and comprehensive recruitment programme, candidates had the opportunity to learn more about the school and its curriculum by observing lessons and reviewing work in pupils’ books. They were invited to provide feedback on what they had seen and to reflect on what they perceived to be the school’s strength and areas for improvement with Chiquita Henson and The Corinium Education Trust’s School Improvement Consultant, Geraldine Tidy. The candidates were also interviewed separately by three panels: pupils, staff and governors.

 

We are grateful to all of the candidates for the work they put into their applications and in preparation for their interviews. However, after our deliberations, we were very pleased to appoint Libby Pringle to the post of headteacher full time from September 2022. In the interim period, we are delighted that Libby Pringle has kindly agreed to work part time at the school on Thursdays and Fridays from Thursday 28 April 2022.

   

Libby Pringle is an experienced school and curriculum leader. She is currently employed by Gloucestershire County Council as Head of Curriculum and Teaching and Learning at the Gloucester and Forest Alternative Provision School which provides education for children from Key Stages 1-4. Prior to this, Libby Pringle was Head of School at Abbey Park Federation of Schools, multi-academy trust in Worcestershire.

 

Libby Pringle is looking forward to joining The Corinium Education Trust. She is keen to learn more about Chesterton Primary School and join its community of pupils, parents and staff.

 

'I am delighted to have been appointed Headteacher at Chesterton Primary School. I am looking forward to working with all members of the school community to ensure we can provide the best education for all our pupils. The school has developed greatly since joining the Corinium Education Trust and I am dedicated to ensuring this continues. I hope to make a real difference to the lives of our families and the local community.' Libby Pringle, Headteacher Chesterton Primary School

 

‘Libby Pringle has very high expectations and she will be a very welcome addition to The Corinium Education Trust’s Leadership Group. She is determined to lead Chesterton Primary School forward on its current improvement journey. We are looking forward to seeing her build on the foundations laid by Karen Venner and her team.’ Chiquita Henson, Chief Executive

 

The Corinium Education Trust is grateful to Karen Venner, the school’s headteacher from September 2017 to April 2022, for her inclusive leadership, especially so, throughout of the pandemic when during periods of lockdown Karen Venner and her staff ensured over 50% of the school’s pupils, many of whom were vulnerable or children of key workers, were able to attend school directly.

 

Over the last 12 months, Karen Venner has worked closely with Deputy Head, Kerry Buckland, to develop the school’s curriculum plan and support its implementation. In turn, Kerry Buckland, has engaged in training with the Ambition Institute and with The Corinium Education Trust’s School Improvement Consultants. This has enabled her to provide personalised coaching. She has shared her pedagogical knowledge and her curriculum expertise with school staff. She has been focused on strengthening teaching and learning.

 

We wish Karen Venner good luck in her new business enterprise and Kerry Buckland all the very best during her period of maternity leave.