A new leadership team has been announced for the Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy following the resignation of Alison Appleyard.

Ms Appleyard stepped down from her role of principal at IPACA just two days before the start of the new academic year.

The academy’s governors have now announced the Academy’s Executive Leadership.

Chairman of governors John Tizard said: “The board met yesterday and has agreed that Stuart McLeod, Darren Marklew and Rob Russell will be joint interim principals for at least two terms.

“They collectively have full authority as principals.

“As well as all-through academy-wide leadership, they will also have individual responsibility for specific phases of learning across the Academy with Stuart leading Early Years and Key Stage 1, Darren leading Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 and Rob leading Key Stage 4 and the sixth form.”

The Joint Interim Principals have said that they are looking forward to leading the academy at this exciting time in its development in the run up to the move to the new Campus at Maritime House. Mr Tizard added: “The three Joint Interim Principals have been outstanding vice-principals at IPACA and played a key role in leading the Academy to its recent Ofsted ‘Good’ grading in June this year.

“They share a wealth of experience in effective school leadership. They are well respected by learners, parents and their colleagues. They will continue to build on IPACA’s successes and strengthen engagement with parents and the local community."

“IPACA has a very positive future, the governors have every confidence that Stuart, Darren and Rob will lead IPACA on its journey of improvement.”

Parents of Year Six pupils are invited to attend the Open Evenings at Osprey Quay Campus on October 7 and 9.