Darlaston academy announces new headteacher

Grace Academy's new principal, Carl Salt, will take up his position this month – after turning previous school Aston Manor Academy, Birmingham, into one of the most successful schools in the country during his time there.

Born and bred locally, Mr Salt has spent his entire teaching career in Birmingham and the Black Country and has a passion to help students from the inner city to succeed.

"It was obvious from my first visit to Grace Academy Darlaston that the school has undergone some dramatic changes in recent times and it is definitely 'on the up, he said.

"Building on the current successes of the staff, pupils and parents at Grace Academy Darlaston, I have every confidence in the school becoming one of the most successful academies in the area over the next few of years.

"I was part of the team at Aston Manor Academy that helped to lead the Academy into being an outstanding school and this is something I intend to repeat at Grace Academy Darlaston."

Carl Salt has a background in the engineering and manufacturing industries before moving into teaching, and has previously worked at Great Barr School, College High School (now Birmingham Academy) and Bartley Green School as head of department.

He added: "When I visited the Academy, students were well behaved, courteous and polite, and there was a real warm but industrious feel about the school.

"Results at Key Stage Four will remain a high priority but the development of the sixth form, providing relevant courses matching the needs of the local community, will be high on my agenda.

"This will include the launch of the schools' football academy, in collaboration with ex-England footballer, Andy Sinton."