New principal delighted at role at Black Country academy

Craig Cooling will take up the post at the Marsh Lane school in September, replacing current principal Julia Flavin.

Mr Cooling joins the school from Ormiston Forge Academy, in Cradley Heath, where he most recently serviced as senior vice principal. He taught at the school for 17 years.

For the past seven years, he has been involved in the leadership of the school, influencing teaching and learning, key stage five and leadership across the staffing body. As a classics teacher, he has also taught a number of subjects, including religious studies and history.

During his time at Ormiston Forge, he worked closely with young people to improve their life chances – overseeing the significant increase in students from the school going on to university, since the school became an academy in 2012.

Mrs Flavin, the school leadership team, the board of governors and Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), will all now be working with Mr Cooling to support the transition, as they work to maintain high standards and expectations.

Mr Cooling said: "I am delighted to have been appointed the principal of Ormiston NEW Academy and I am very much looking forward to starting in September.

“I believe in ensuring young people get the best opportunities and giving them all the tools they need to succeed in life. Great teaching and community values are the key to this success.

"I will be relentless in improving outcomes for all students, as our community deserves nothing less.”

Nick Hudson, chief executive officer at OAT, added: "We are thrilled that Craig Cooling has been appointed principal at Ormiston NEW Academy.

“He has been instrumental in leading success at Ormiston Forge Academy and I know he will bring an immeasurable amount of experience to his new role. I am confident that he shares our high expectations for Ormiston NEW Academy, and we look forward to working with Craig and the school as they begin a new journey of achievement.”