A FAMILIAR face has become the new principal of the Winsford E-ACT Academy.

Mr Andrew Taylor-Edward, 38, has been appointed as the head of the school and will replace current interim principal Andrew Kilpatrick OBE, after the Easter break.

Mr Taylor-Edwards has held the post of vice principal since September last year, having joined the former Verdin High School as an English and drama teacher in 1999.

“It’s been like a rollercoaster,” said Andrew, who has seen some significant changes at school since starting his career there.

“When I first started Neil Dyment was the headteacher and, ofcourse, he really turned the school around, then we dipped and we’re only coming back up again now.

“In two or three years we want to become the number one choice of school for Winsford parents, and to be the number one choice of school for those outside of the town would be even better.”

Since merging the town’s two former high schools into one academy in September the school is showing positive signs of improvement after a recent mock Ofsted inspection.

“Obviously there is still areas to work on but their report was really positive,” added Mr Taylor-Edwards. “It said standards are now higher and teaching is good and often outstanding, which is a real boost for our staff.

“Sometimes when you work in a struggling school it has a huge impact on staff morale.”

Sir Bruce Liddington, E-ACT director general, said Andrew’s appointment will lead the way for the academy to become one of their best.

He said:“We were all hugely impressed by Andrew’s enthusiasm and his commitment to ensuring the very best possible education for students at our academy.

“He will be an inspirational leader but will also be filling large shoes, as Mr Kilpatrick has laid the foundations for what is well on the way to becoming one of our most outstanding academies.”