Lymm High School appoints new principal

LYMM High School has appointed a new principal who will take up his post at Easter.
Former Wales school international hockey player Gwyn Williams (pictured) will join from Wallingford School in Oxfordshire, where he is currently deputy, a similar school in many respects to Lymm, where he has been central to turning what was an underachieving school into one with the best examination outcomes in Oxfordshire.
Governors and senior advisors from the local authority were unanimous in the view that Mr Williams is an exceptional educator and school leader, who will earn the respect and support of staff, students and the community while taking Lymm High School forward.
Chair of governors Keiran Walshe said Mr Williams recognised the improvements made in the school over the last year, but also understands that there was still much to do to see the school and its students achieve their full potential.
Mr Williams attended a comprehensive school in North Wales, then went to the University of Cambridge and graduated with a first in politics and social sciences. He then worked for a time in industry, before training as a history teacher at Oxford University, and has worked in a number of different schools. He is a keen sports player, particularly hockey which he played at an international level for Wales when he was at school.
For the past 18 months the school has been under the leadership of interim executive principal Tarun Kapur from the Dean Trust.
Mr Kapur was drafted in following the suspension of former Head Teacher Angela Walsh, who eventually resigned.
During her period in charge the school faced a catalogue of issues including financial irregularities, the loss of 45 staff and the loss of an Outstanding Ofsted.
Mr Walshe added: “The school has gained a great deal from the experienced leadership of Mr Kapur and the support of other colleagues from the Dean Trust.
“I have no doubt we will continue to work together in the future in a number of areas.”