New head of school at St John’s First School Katharine Anstey (centre left) pictured with Wimborne Academy Trust chief executive Liz West (centre right), pupils and staff
It’s all change at Wimborne’s St John’s First School with the appointment of Katharine Anstey as its new leader.
Katharine, who celebrates 20 years in teaching this year, has begun this special year in her new role as the head of the Church of England school.
She takes over from previous head teacher Liz West who is the chief executive officer of Wimborne Academy Trust (WAT), the multi-academy which consists of seven first and middle schools, including St John’s.
Katharine said: “I’m proud and delighted to be appointed – it’s a privilege to lead an outstanding school.
“The children, the staff, the parents, the governors and everyone at the Trust are all absolutely fantastic and our caring ethos makes it a very special place to work.”
Originally from Swanage, Katharine’s teaching career began in east London in 1996.
Since then she has taught in schools in London and Devon, before returning home to Dorset in 2010 when she joined St John’s as a class teacher, becoming deputy head in 2014.
As head of St John’s, which forms part of the Wimborne Teaching School, Katharine is not only looking forward to working closely with other schools within WAT but also many others across the pyramid and country.
And 2016 promises to be an exciting year for Katharine and the school as it will see the re-development of the grounds, including creating new habitats for pollinating creatures.
Katharine added: “I’m very much looking forward to my new role and continuing to maintain the very high standards that have been put in place.St John’s First School is one of seven First and Middle schools in WAT, along with Allenbourn Middle School, Colehill First School, Hayeswood First School, Merley First School, St Michael’s CE Middle School and Witchampton CE First School. WAT was formed in March 2015.
All of its academies are rated either Good or Outstanding (St John’s was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2009 and by the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools in 2014).
WAT’s CEO, Liz West, who was head of St John’s for seven years, said: “Katharine is a dedicated teacher and an exceptional leader and it was these qualities that helped her to stand out in the appointment process.
“I know from my many years of working at St John’s what a wonderful school it is and in Katharine they have a wonderful head to match.”
New head of school at St John’s First School Katharine Anstey (centre left) pictured with Wimborne Academy Trust chief executive Liz West (centre right), pupils and staff
