The new headteacher at Poole Grammar School is Andy Baker who has been acting in the role since January.
Mr Baker said: “Having taught at Poole Grammar since 1993, I am absolutely delighted to be offered this post. As someone for whom education has made a real difference, I am very pleased to be able to lead a school which provides such opportunities to the young men of Poole. I grew up in North East London, moving to Hertfordshire at the age of 11. History was always my first love, and when it came to university I chose politics and economic history – probably to reflect my love of a good argument. My second love was music, and I graduated from third bassoon at school to bass guitar in a punk band! From there it was teaching sixth formers in Southend, through other schools and finally to be Deputy Head at Poole Grammar.
“As a teacher of predominantly politics I have seen how well young people deal with controversy, and start to develop their ideas about the work and how it should be organised. They thrive on challenge – whether it be intellectual or physical – and I am a firm believer that we learn in many different ways and in diverse places. My love of skiing has led to me leading (so far) 10 ski trips and getting great pleasure from seeing generations of students cope with a totally new environment. Our young people are our nation’s future, and there is no bigger responsibility than helping them find their way – in finding the right career but also in developing social skills and a moral compass.”
Dr Ken Power, chair of the governors, said: “The Governing Body are delighted to be able to make this appointment. Andy has the necessary qualities and abilities to lead the school through its next phase of development, ultimately to even higher levels of attainment. I am very optimistic for the future of the school and I look forward to working with Andy over the coming years.”
