Archway Learning Trust Executive Principal Ann Donaghy outside Alvaston Moor Academy
A new executive principal who took a 1200-pupil Derby secondary from inadequate to good has this month started her new job continuing to drive up standards at several schools including Alvaston Moor Academy.
This January former Noel Baker Academy principal Ann Donaghy began her new role for Archway Learning Trust, which is responsible for 11 schools in Derby and Nottingham including Alvaston Moor.
Alvaston Moor Academy principal Michelle Strong has recently voiced her pride after the school was pronounced to be “improving” by Ofsted, its predecessor Merrill Academy having been in special measures.
Now Ann has been appointed by Archway to work with the school’s senior leaders, continuing the work to drive up standards at the school on Bracken’s Lane, where 67 per cent of nearly 900 pupils are in receipt of Government pupil premium funding.
Ann said: “All children deserve a great school. This community deserves more truly great schools. I really strongly believe that every child is entitled to have the best education. They are entitled to a rigorous curriculum and they are entitled to excellent teaching. They are entitled to be safe, cared for and happy in school.
“I care about these children and I care about this community. I passionately believe that your socio-economic background should not be a limiting factor in what you can do and where you can go.”
Ann began her education career after signing up to the Teach First scheme. She said her inspiration into the transformative effect of education came during her first job in Wembley High School, which during her time there went from a “Satisfactory” Ofsted rating to “Outstanding” – putting it at one of the highest performing in the country.
Ann, who worked at the school as an English teacher and became head of sixth form, said: “It was really inspiring to see at my first school how you go from taking a school that is really struggling that is now one of the top schools in the country. What’s needed is a clear focus on pastoral care, enrichment, a quality curriculum for teaching and learning and excellent leadership to drive up standards in every area, all rooted in really high expectations.”
Academy principal Michelle Strong said she was looking forward to working Ann to continue the journey to improve education at Alvaston Moor.
She said: “I was very proud that we were officially recognised by Ofsted as an “improving” school. Senior leaders have worked tirelessly to drive up standards and expectations, making every pupil feel included, safe, and giving them aspirations to succeed. I look forward to working with Ann to continue the positive journey we have already begun.”
