THE first prinicipal at Portland’s new academy says she is delighted to be able to serve young islanders.

The Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy Trust has announced the appointment of Alison Appleyard as its first principal.

Mrs Appleyard, who is currently principal of St Aidan’s Church of England Academy in Darlington, County Durham, will take up her position in January 2013.

She said she was delighted to be given the unique opportunity to serve the island community.

Mrs Appleyard said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as the first principal of the new Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy. “Portland is a very special place and this is a unique and exciting opportunity to serve the young people and community of the island.”

Mrs Appleyard will be working informally with staff on Portland ahead of the academy opening in September.

She will also be released from her current role for a number of weeks in the autumn term, before taking up her permanent post next year.

Honor Wilson-Fletcher, chairman of governors designate, said she was confident Mrs Appleyard would be an exceptional leader. She said: “We had a remarkably strong response to our advert for the role with a number of very good candidates to choose from. The interview process was a deliberately rigorous one involving our existing headteachers, governors and students.

“Portland deserves an exceptional academy that improves opportunities for all the children on the island, and that requires an exceptional principal as leader.

“In Alison, I am sure we have found just that.”

She added that with the support of the executive head and academy director the academy would have an exceptionally strong leadership team.

She said: “As is often the case with large and complex projects like this, Alison will be supported by an experienced executive head during the development phase, to ensure that the considerable workload involved will not fall on one individual.

“Monica Cross, who has a wealth of experience including leading a four- to 19-year-old academy, is already working with us in this capacity and will assist Alison to ensure that the academy project progresses towards opening smoothly.”

MIXED REACTION TO £15m school system overhaul

IN APRIL this year it was announced that plans to overhaul Portland’s school system are set to become a reality with £15million from central government.

Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove has approved funding for The Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy to open in September this year.

The majority of Portland’s headteachers, school governors, academy patron Professor Stephen Heppell and sponsors the Aldridge Foundation and Dorset County Council welcomed the announcement. But many parents have hit out at the scheme.

The academy will open in the existing schools buildings this September, with pupils and staff moving into new buildings at Osprey Quay and Southwell Business Park by September 2013.

On completion the campus will include a 200-seat theatre, swimming pool, sports, arts facilities and professional kitchens.

The new academy will cater for four to 19-year-old students.