New head takes over college (From Witney Gazette)

New head takes over college

2:25pm Friday 5th September 2008 in Witney By David Horne

CARTERTON Community College has appointed a new headteacher.

The school this month welcomed Niall McWilliams, 45, from the Cherwell School, in Oxford. He replaced Julie Tridgell, the former headteacher of the school in Upavon Way.

Ms Tridgell has moved to the Nova Hreod School in Swindon.

Mr McWilliams, who worked as a PE teacher, and later as deputy headteacher, at the Cherwell School, said: "The minute I came to Carterton, I immediately knew I would like it. The school has a real vibrancy to it, and is obviously very student-centred.

"It is clear that the school has a very strong place in the community as well, and this is something I want to continue into the future."

Mr McWilliams said he intended to build on the school's most recent GCSE results - which he described as their best ever.

Jill Judson, headteacher of the Cherwell School, said that her school would miss the dynamic deputy.

She added: "But I am absolutely delighted for him. He is a very deserving candidate for the role. He is cheerful and hard-working, with a great sense of humour. He is also known for giving people a chance, and as a result, was very popular with the students."

Mick Sullivan, chairman of Carterton's board of governors, appointed Mr McWilliams.

He said: "Julie Tridgell has left her replacement a hard act to follow, but with his outstanding credentials, I fully believe Mr McWilliams is up to the challenge of the role. He has given us every reason to believe he will be a fantastic asset."