Academy head vows to produce ‘generation of world leaders’

Juliet Strang, who quit her previous school in London after pupils and parents protested over the sacking of a teacher, will take on the reins when the Northern Academy opens next September.

The school, which will be replacing Sir Henry Cooper school, was given planning permission on Princess Elizabeth Playing Fields in 2009 despite objectors who complained about the loss of green space.

Questions have been raised about where the pupils will come from for the school, given that some city schools have surplus places and it now appears that failing Endeavour school may not now close.

Sir Henry Cooper School last year had the lowest GCSE pass rate in the region with just over a fifth of pupils achieving the national target.

One online comment stated: “Orchard Park meets Beverley Road. Could be an explosive mix.”

However Ms Strang – described by her new employers as an “absolutely outstanding educationalist” – insisted they were going to create “the next generation of world leaders”, adding: “I am coming to Hull because of the really inspiring vision that the sponsors have for the new academy. It is in line with my vision for education.

“When I read about the academy I thought – that’s the place for me.”

The 1,250-place school, whose main sponsor is the University of Hull, will focus on environmental science, languages and citizenship. The other sponsors are Wyke and Wilberforce Sixth Form Colleges and Hull Council.

Ms Strang, who was headteacher at Villiers High School for 14 years, also pledged “strong leadership, inspiring teaching, outstanding behaviour and a large range of opportunities for young people”.

The goal was “to have attainment higher than the national average” and progress, in the top five per cent.

She said: “We are going to work so hard to build their self-esteem, the academic vision is to be a leading-edge innovative school with the very best of practice from all over the world.”

The city has long found it hard to attract teachers because of its poor academic results, but Ms Strang said she was sure they could attract good teachers “because of the opportunities we are going to provide”, adding: “It is pretty difficult to get good teachers in London because of the house prices and perceived behaviour difficulties.”

On objections to building on green space she said: “There are conditions on the playing fields which will allow a certain amount of public access. There are already partnerships developed with various sports teams.”

Of her departure from the Villiers School in London she added: “I left of my own accord following a pupil protest following the dismissal of a teacher. Some people may have views, my focus is all about making Northern Academy the very best it can be.

“I am in the process of meeting people and making plans. So far that’s been entirely positive and I am sure that will continue.”

Professor John Leech, pro vice-chancellor for engagement at the University of Hull and chairman of the trust board for the academy, said they wanted to lure parents back to schools in Hull, who currently sent children to the East Riding. He said: “What we want to do is make a school they are absolutely proud to send their children to.”

Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy who used to teach at Kingswood High in Hull, said one of the good things about academies was they were able “to develop their own cultures free from the sometimes strangling hand of the local authority” but said discipline had to be at their core. He said: “Unlike what happens now they have to stick to discipline and establish that early in the school as a defining characteristic and not succumb to wishy-washy liberal thinking.”