ARK Schools is delighted to announce the appointment of Bethan Thomas as headteacher designate of the new primary academy to open in September as the successor to Kensal Rise Primary School.
Ms Thomas is presently head of the seven form entry infant school at the Cambridge International School in Dubai. She has 15 years experience in primary education. She presently leads the school and teaches across early years and key stages one and two. She has previously been a consultant for the London Challenge school improvement programme and a deputy head in Croydon, Surrey and Westminster.
At Cambridge International School, Ms Thomas has focused on raising and maintaining standards at the school and on accelerating pupil progress and attainment by ensuring that all teaching is at least good or better. She has also developed an effective curriculum to meet the needs of every pupil and to create a valued professional development and coaching programme for all staff.
The new academy will be known as ARK Franklin Primary Academy, commemorating the work of Rosalind Franklin who was born locally. Franklin’s work on x-ray diffractions was instrumental in the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, the genetic code that has made much modern medicine possible.
“Throughout my career I’ve been passionate about ensuring that every pupil has a learning journey through school that enables them to reach their full potential. I want every pupil to gain the skills, confidence and aspirations to become successful, resilient and independent young people. I am thrilled to be joining Kensal Rise as it makes its transition to being ARK Franklin Primary Academy. I am very much looking forward to meeting children, parents and staff and to beginning our work together to make ARK Franklin an exceptional school for local children,” Bethan Thomas said.
ARK Franklin Primary Academy will open in September 2013. All current pupils and staff will transfer to the new academy. The academy will hold parents’ open days for September 2014 admission in the autumn term.