Head teacher resigns at inadequate school as new sponsor named

The school will become a sponsored academy and will move into Trinity’s family of schools, which currently consists of Trinity Academy Halifax, The Maltings College and Akroydon Primary Academy.

James Franklin-Smith, current Principal of Trinity Academy Halifax, will work as Executive Principal across the two institutions and a new principal will be recruited to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Kate Sanderson, the former head teacher.

Michael Gosling, CEO of the MAT, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring SBHS which, like Trinity Academy, is a school at the heart of its community.

“We will work very closely with students, parents and staff to improve every aspect of provision.

“It will become the school of choice in the local community.

“Sowerby Bridge High School is at the start of an exciting journey to become outstanding, joining a group of institutions who all share a passion to provide young people with a standard of education that will open doors for them in the future.”

Trinity has been supporting the school at the request of Calderdale Council since January 2017.

Mike Smith, Chair of Governors at Sowerby Bridge High School, said: “As governors we recognise that the school needs to make rapid and sustained improvements.

“We are delighted that Trinity MAT is now a confirmed sponsor and all stakeholders are enthusiastic about the possibilities.

“Governors would like to take this opportunity to thank parents, students and staff for their continued support.”