Becky Pearce is leaving Cowes Enterprise College due to personal circumstances. Picture by Peter Boam.
A NEW principal has been appointed at Cowes Enterprise College following the departure of current head Rebecca Pearce.
It was announced on the school's website today (Friday) that Ms Pearce had quit, due to personal circumstances.
She said: "I am no longer able to stay on the Isle of Wight, and am therefore unable to stay in the role of principal. This has been a difficult decision to make. I am very proud of the work that has been done by staff and students to raise achievement at the college."
Ms Pearce has been replaced by former Ofsted inspector John Peckham.
Lately the headteacher at Bramhall High School, Stockport, Mr Peckham grew up on the Island and runs a school improvement consultancy.
He said: "I know from experience that Ormiston is fully committed to the success of its academies and I feel privileged to be able to work with them in a school and town for which I have enormous affection."
Prof Toby Salt, chief executive of the Ormiston Academies Trust, which runs the school, said: "Securing someone of the calibre of John is a real coup. Becky has done a great job however, John is absolutely the right man to take the school to the next stage."
Ms Pearce, who was only appointed in January, oversaw the school's best ever GCSE results this summer.
Chair of governors David Sword said: "With Becky's support, the college has strengthened its foundations for success. It is important we continue on this upward trajectory without any disruption, and so we have appointed Mr Peckham to lead the academy starting before the end of term.
"We're wishing Becky the best and know she has enjoyed her time at the college."