My name is Mrs Linda Rodham and I am the Chief Executive Officer of the Trust. We have just appointed a new principal for North Durham Academy, until they are ready to join us at the Academy I will be Acting Principal.

I have been a Headteacher for ten years and I have substantial experience of school improvement.

Our culture is changing:

• All staff have high expectations of behaviour and learning;
• All students can expect to be challenged in their learning;
• We are a school that now ‘holds its own’ in respect to progress and achievement in comparison to other schools in the area;
• Progress 8 score improving year on year;
• More students than ever before are leaving with grade 4 and grade 5 in English and maths;
• We endorse a 5 year curriculum plan that meets the needs of all learners;
• We have an inclusive approach to Special Educational Needs and vulnerable students;
• In an ever-changing world we have the capacity and expertise to support learning outside the classroom;
• We have a dynamic and creative enrichment programme that supports the development of the whole child;
• I have an amazing and dedicated staff who deliver our vision every day.

Please accept my offer of an open invitation to visit it us – anytime – to experience the Academy first-hand.

Mrs Linda Rodham, Chief Executive Officer and Acting Principal