As I announced in October 2023, we appointed a specialist recruiter, Headspace Academics, to help with the appointment of the next Head of Coopersale Hall School. Headspace Academics has extensive experience of working with a variety of schools to recruit Heads and tailoring the search to the requirements of each school.
With over 30 credible applicants, we were fortunate to have had a very strong field for the various rounds of our long and shortlist interviews. The final three candidates were very experienced senior leaders, and they spent two days with us last week.
The interview process itself was extremely comprehensive and involved many different stages, activities and tasks both at school and at Head Office. I am grateful to the pupils and staff who were involved in what turned out to be an in depth, and at times gruelling, process.
We were looking primarily for a Head who is personable, approachable, knowledgeable and with the capacity to continue to take Coopersale Hall forward to the next stage of its development.
I am delighted to announce that we have appointed Mr Paul Wilson as the next Head of Coopersale Hall School from September 2024.
Mr Wilson spent 9 years teaching at several local schools, before joining St Nicholas School in Old Harlow in 2007. Whilst at St Nick’s he has been Head of English, E-Learning Coordinator, Assistant Head (Academic) and Deputy Head (Academic and Operational). Mr Wilson was Interim Head between 2021 and 2022, during which time he oversaw a school inspection that awarded ‘Excellent’ judgements in all areas. He is also currently studying for the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH).
We are fortunate to have attracted a candidate with the leadership experience and knowledge that Mr Wilson has amassed so far throughout his career. His experience working in a ‘through school, educating pupils on their journey from Kindergarten to taking their GCSEs aged 16, will be valuable as our school community grows. I know that he is looking forward to starting with us and leading by example to ensure that all of our pupils achieve their full potential. I am confident that, assisted by the Senior Leadership Team, Mr Wilson will continue to encourage the friendly, well-disciplined and purposeful atmosphere at Coopersale Hall and that he will be able to enhance the education that we provide for our pupils.
I am confident you will agree that Mrs Doherty has had an excellent Autumn Term in her increased role this year as Interim Head, ably assisted by the Senior Leadership Team and Mrs Osborn. I have been very pleased with your many positive comments and it has been heartening to see such a happy school this term. Although Mrs Doherty decided not to throw her hat in the ring for the Headship beyond this academic year, I am pleased that she has agreed to become Deputy Head from September 2024. In doing so, we will have a very strong leadership team with Mr Wilson at the helm.
We will be arranging for Mr Wilson to spend time in school after Christmas to meet with children, parents and staff. In the meantime, thank you for your continuing support and I hope you have a very peaceful break over Christmas with your families.
