The Weald School: New Headteacher

The Weald School appoints new Headteacher

Following Peter Woodman’s retirement in December 2020, the Governing Body at The Weald School started the search for a new Headteacher. As Deputy Head, Sarah Edwards led the school as Interim Headteacher while the advertising and recruitment process commenced.

The role of a Headteacher is a demanding one at the best of times but leading a school through a pandemic has presented more obstacles and complications than most of us could have imagined. Sarah has dealt with these difficult challenges both effectively and in a calm and level-headed manner.

While the Governing Body provide strategic direction and oversight, the most important role is the recruitment of a new Headteacher. They were required to run a robust, rigorous and independent interview process. This included a student panel, governing board interview and a staff Q&A. The three candidates were put through their paces to determine who would be the strongest and most appropriate leader for the school.

After careful consideration and following a two-day interview programme, the school is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Edwards as its permanent Headteacher with immediate effect.

Staff, students and parents have expressed their joy in hearing the news of Sarah’s appointment. Many parents have taken to Facebook to congratulate her, “Congratulations, The Weald is in safe hands.”

Sarah joined The Weald in June 2014 as Deputy Headteacher. During her 14 years in senior leadership positions in schools, she has been responsible for teaching and learning, the curriculum, outcomes for students at all Key Stages, pastoral support provided for students, well-being for staff and students, and behaviour. She is a languages teacher by trade, having earned her degree at the University of Leeds and her teaching qualification at Cambridge. In a video message to staff, governors, parents and students thankng them for their support Sarah said, “It’s really a huge honour and a privilege to be given this fantastic opportunity to lead our wonderful Weald community forward in a new era. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be doing that and how grateful I am to have this opportunity. I have a lot of thanks to give: to all of our staff for their support and encouragement, and to our students, governors and parents and carers for their lovely messages. We rely on support from our amazing team around us to make sure that we can serve our community the best that we possibly can.” Izzy Lewis, Communications Manager

Photo: New Headteacher Sarah Edwards