THE first leader of Warrington’s newest secondary provision has been announced by Warrington Primary Academy Trust (WPAT).
Bruche Academy School, an all-through school with provision for children aged 2 to 16, is scheduled to open on the Bruche Primary Academy site in Seymour Drive, Padgate in September and Don Gillthorpe will be the school’s first secondary director.
He will take up his post in September, just before the school welcomes 30 Year 7 pupils through the doors.
The need for more secondary places in the borough was outlined in council plans in 2024 and proposals for the new school were approved by local planners in December last year. Work is now underway to clear derelict buildings and prepare the site before construction work begins later in the spring.
Don began his teaching career in South Cumbria and was appointed director of music at Ripley St Thomas CE Academy in Lancaster in 2012, where he developed a nationally recognised, award-winning music department before spending five years on the school’s senior leadership team as assistant headteacher. He is currently director of music at Pangbourne College, an independent, co-educational day and boarding school in West Berkshire.
A former president of the Music Teachers’ Association, Don has contributed to national work on music education and curriculum development, helping other schools strengthen their music provision and leading a Secondary Music teacher training programme.
He said: “I’m excited to be joining at such an important moment for both Bruche and WPAT, and to work with members of staff, pupils and families to build something special together.
“Establishing a new secondary phase from the very beginning is a wonderful opportunity, and I’m looking forward to creating a school where every pupil feels supported, challenged and able to thrive.”
Louise Smith, WPAT chief executive officer, added: “We are looking forward to Don joining the WPAT team and leading our secondary provision. Don is an experienced school leader and prominent music educator who will bring to the role a strong track record of senior leadership, securing improvements in pupil progress, and developing systems that support both high standards and inclusive practice.”
