Further to Mr Pett’s letter earlier this week, I am writing to give you further details regarding the leadership arrangements after he leaves us on Friday 11 March.

From Monday 14 March I will assume the role of Headteacher and will act in this role throughout the summer term and until further notice. Our Deputy Headteachers Joanne Sangster and Paul Hemsley will also continue to hold key responsibilities in the day to day running of the school. This model with the support of the wider school leadership team, will be in place until a permanent replacement is made. We will not be rushing this key appointment and I will be working with colleagues in the Trust to agree the next steps for recruitment. As soon as there is further information I will share it with you. For the time being however, I am keen to ensure consistency for our students and staff as we focus on our school development priorities; increasing attainment and progress and preparing students for examinations later this year.

As you will be aware I joined the Kemnal Academies Trust in January last year as Executive Headteacher, based at Welling School. During that time I have got to know students, staff and a number of families.

I am aware some families may well want the chance to meet me face to face, if we have not done so already and so I will be back in touch with some dates and times for that to happen. Now that it is easier for us to host events face to face I am keen to increase the opportunities for us to do so and so I hope these sessions will be the start of much more frequent communication between us all about school life and how we can work together to ensure the highest of standards.

I am very much looking forward to working more closely with all members of the Welling School community over the coming months.

Yours sincerely,

Daniel Hatley

EXECUTIVE HEADTEACHER