Expert school leader appointed new headteacher of Sheffield school
The new headteacher of a Sheffield secondary school says she is “hugely excited about what we can achieve for the students”.
Victoria Hall started this term as headteacher of The Birley Academy. Mrs Hall has a track record of achieving excellent outcomes, including overseeing strong performance at three secondary schools in her previous role.
Mrs Hall said she is looking forward to making a similarly positive impact at The Birley Academy, part of the high-performing L.E.A.D. Academy Trust.
Mrs Hall said: “I am only one week in but I knew the school from before and it is already clear to me that The Birley Academy has enormous potential. I am hugely excited about what we can achieve for the students. My view has always been that the best schools are those where all its parts – staff, pupils and parents – are working together and have high expectations.
“L.E.A.D. Academy Trust is rightly ambitious for the school and the students and, having spoken with staff this first week, they share that position. We are all determined to work extremely hard to do our very best for the students.”
Mrs Hall said one of her first actions is to develop and implement a strong rewards system. She intends to work closely with the academy council to hear student voice, so that the rewards introduced are fair and valued by students.
She said: “By strengthening the approach to rewards, I’m hoping that this will also have a very positive impact on attendance, punctuality and behaviour at The Birley Academy.”
Mrs Hall replaces acting headteacher Diarmaid Casey, who will return to his substantive role in the academy’s leadership team. She thanked Mr Casey for his work leading the school before her arrival.
Mrs Hall also highlighted the achievements made by pupils at The Birley Academy recently. These include the completion of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award by two Year 11 students and the election of four pupils to the Sheffield Youth Cabinet to represent Sheffield South East.
Diana Owen CBE, the Chief Executive of L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, said: “I am delighted that Victoria Hall has joined The Birley Academy. She is a highly skilled school leader who has the experience and track record to ensure, alongside our excellent staff team, that the school becomes the very best it can be. We at L.E.A.D. will continue to support the academy every step of the way so that the students get a first-class education and are able to fulfil their potential.”
“I am hugely excited about what we can achieve for the students. My view has always been that the best schools are those where all its parts - staff, pupils and parents - are working together and have high expectations.”
Victoria Hall, Headteacher at The Birley Academy