Welcome

I am delighted to have been appointed the new Headteacher of Prince William School and am fortunate enough to start on the 1 July 2013, rather than in September. This will enable a smooth transition from the very capable hands of Ms Marian Hobbs who has worked hard to secure achievements from our young people.

I am writing to you for a few reasons. One is to introduce myself. I know how unsettling a change of Headteacher can be and hope that this letter will give you some reassurances, giving you a bit of an insight into my background. Secondly, it is to briefly outline some areas on how we are going to become outstanding. Finally, to explain your part on this journey.

I am returning to work in Northamptonshire after working in Coventry as Associate Principal in an Ofsted rated outstanding school and before that as Deputy Headteacher in another Ofsted rated outstanding school which received outstanding ratings in every category. A feat only achieved by a handful of schools nationally. The experiences I have had in seeing outstanding achievements from young people has enabled me to understand what outstanding looks like and the path required to achieve such an accolade. As I have lived in Northamptonshire for nearly ten years and knew Prince William School before being offered the Headship, I am clear that Prince William School can and will become outstanding.

My vision is for us all to "Dare to Dream." This belief means that I expect everyone to have the highest of expectations in all they do or aspire to and that good is not good enough. To become an outstanding school and community, there are two fundamental points we will address; improve the quality of learning and teaching and to raise the level of achievement from our young people by raising our expectation of grades they can achieve. We can only do this by working together

This brings me to my final point. I ask that you continue putting your trust in Prince William School. As we make changes within the school I plan to keep you informed and as up to date with developments as much as possible. As these developments move the school forward, I look for you to support the school, staff and decisions made. I make this point now as there may be decisions you disagree with, but I look for your trust that developments are being put in place for the long term benefit of your child(ren).

A question I have already received is whether the school uniform will change. In short, I have no plans to make changes to the school uniform yet. There are other areas to focus on first.

If you have any thoughts or questions, please do not hesitate in getting in touch, or come and have a chat at one of the parental sessions that will take place on Wednesday 8 May at 7.30pm at The Sports Centre, Kings Cliffe; Thursday 16 May at 7.30pm here at PWS and Tuesday 21 May at 7.30pm at The Bridge Hotel, Thrapston.

I look forward to taking this journey with you and your child(ren), getting the best out of them.

Sincerely

Mr Mark Taitt

mtaitt@pwschool.northants.sch.uk