Nidderdale High School has begun a new and exciting chapter with the appointment of Ian Simpson as permanent Headteacher.
Mr Simpson, a former Deputy Headteacher of King James’s School, Knaresborough, has been Associate Headteacher at Nidderdale during a partnership between the two schools which has brought about rapid improvement over the past year.
Under Mr Simpson’s headship the two schools will maintain a close working relationship, though Nidderdale will move forward under its own steam.
Mr Simpson said he was excited to take on the permanent headship of a school that is going from strength to strength and that had such a strong community spirit.
Mr Simpson said:
Nidderdale is a small secondary school (354 students) and so it’s possible to get to know students and their families really well and for there to be a real personal touch in the way the school runs. Student achievement is now improving at a rapid rate beyond the national average and there is a real sense of belonging and commitment to the school from the Nidderdale community. This school is very much at the heart of its community and has a wonderful future ahead of it. Parental support for the school is amazing and it’s a very positive place to be. I look forward to leading a school where everybody is so prepared to pull together to face any challenges ahead.
County Councillor Arthur Barker, North Yorkshire’s Executive Member for Schools said:
We are delighted that governors have appointed Ian Simpson to be head at Nidderdale. During the partnership with King James’s the school has taken a huge step forward and it is very satisfying to be able to appoint a head who has shown such a deep commitment to the school and its community. The future for Nidderdale is very promising with Mr Simpson at the helm.
