Kenilworth School and Sixth Form (KSSF) will have a new headteacher from September 2023, in time for its move to the new site on Glasshouse Lane.

An appointment panel including Hayden Abbott (executive head KMAT), chair of trustees Shirley Whiting, vice chair of trustees Richard Hales, trustee Mark Dismorr and the chair of the local governing board Alison Hall, conducted two days of rigorous interviews earlier this week.

The Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust (KMAT) board then ratified the decision on Tuesday night to appoint Darren Nicholas as the new headteacher.

Commenting on the appointment, Shirley Whiting said: "Darren has been headteacher at schools in the UK and overseas.

"He brings with him a wealth of educational knowledge and excellent management practice that will benefit Kenilworth School and Sixth Form, enabling it to embrace a new stage in its development as it moves onto the one site in September.

"The board believes that in Darren we have found a candidate who will confidently lead the team at Kenilworth, build on the school's reputation for excellent outcomes and continue to cement the school's place in the community.

"Under Hayden Abbott's leadership, Kenilworth School has developed an enviable reputation among secondary schools in Warwickshire and beyond. We are fortunate to be keeping Hayden's knowledge and expertise within the Trust".

Mr Nicholas will replace Mr Abbott who has been headteacher at the school since 2008.

Mr Abbott has been filling the dual role of headteacher of KSSF since 2019 alongside his role as executive head of Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust (KMAT) – also overseeing Westwood Academy the other secondary school within the trust.

From September 2023 he will take up his role as CEO of Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust.

This role will enable him to concentrate on a more strategic role for the trust looking at, amongst other things, school improvement across the trust schools and growth strategy for the trust as well as managing the central finance and HR Teams.

Commenting on the new appointment and his new role Mr Abbott said: "I am delighted that Darren has been appointed by the KMAT Board to be the new headteacher of Kenilworth School and Sixth Form from September 2023.

"He is absolutely the right person to lead the school into the next phase of its development and build on the successes of Kenilworth School and Sixth Form.

"He is forward thinking and always puts the needs of students first. He has an excellent portfolio of experience of school leadership in the UK and abroad and will look to further develop relationships with primary schools in Kenilworth and the local business community."

Mr Nicholas added: "I am very excited at the prospect of leading such an outstanding school in its continued journey for excellence. I will look forward to meeting the whole community and to helping all students to achieve their full potential."

(Image by John Brightley via geograph.org.uk)