Two teachers to lead Harlow school

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Two teachers are preparing to take on the “adventure” of leading a school together.

Assistant headteachers Dean Beaumont and Amber Wade are preparing to take on shared responsibility for Cooks Spinney Primary Academy, in Harlow, from September.

Headteacher Neil Stirrat is taking on a new role within the BMAT family of schools as executive leader and director of Pupil Premium strategy.

Mr Stirrat, who joined BMAT in September 2015 as an assistant head, said: “I feel very sad to leave Cooks Spinney, but I’ll still be around to support the school, so it’s not really goodbye.

“I’m looking forward to supporting other schools and staff within the Trust.”

Mr Beaumont joined Cooks Spinney in September 2017 as a Year 5 teacher and ITT co-ordinator.

His most recent role has seen him take responsibility for Key Stage 2, as well as being the designated safeguarding lead for the school and a Year 5 teacher.

He said: “I am very excited about leading the school from September. Cooks Spinney was the school that allowed me the opportunity to progress professionally and encouraged my personal growth.

“I look forward to continuing to develop our school ethos encompassing our five As - ambitious, altruistic, adaptable, adventurous and articulate. I am excited about the challenges ahead as it will steer me towards what I hope to be a fulfilling role.

“Miss Wade and I have always worked well together; we bring out the best in each other. We have always had open and clear communication and will both strive to ensure that all staff, parents and pupils feel they can approach us at any time. We will continue to work collaboratively when leading the school together.”

Miss Wade joined the school in September 2016 as a Reception class teacher, being promoted to assistant headteacher and early reading lead in 2020.

The Year 1 teacher said: “It is a real privilege to become one of the heads of Cooks Spinney. I can't wait to get started.

“Cooks Spinney is such a wonderful school, full of so many brilliant people and children. I want to continue to build strong relationships with parents and the wider community and create an environment where the teachers love to teach and the children love to learn.

“Mr Beaumont and I have worked closely for many years now and share the same vision for Cooks Spinney. We are a fantastic team, who complement each other’s skills.

“We’re excited to start this new adventure together leading Cooks Spinney.”