New head of William Ellis - Sam White excited to be at school with 'bright future'
Published: 06 January 2011
by JOSIE HINTON
WILLAM Ellis School has announced the appointment of a new headteacher.
Sam White, currently the deputy head of outstanding-rated Catholic school The London Oratory School in Fulham, will take the reigns at the Highgate boys’ school in September.
Mr White will work with interim headteacher Jill Hislop during the summer term to ensure a smooth transition in September.
He said: “I am very excited to be given the opportunity of working with the whole community, students, parents, staff and governors, to continue the drive on standards and to ensure the students at William Ellis achieve all that they can.
“Over the few days I have been at the school, I found a vibrant school with enormous potential, confident and friendly pupils, dedicated and knowledgeable staff and a committed and determined governing body. The school is in very good hands with Jill Hislop and I look forward to working with her to ensure a smooth transition”.
Chairwoman of governors Fiona Millar said the decision to appoint Mr White was taken unanimously by the governing body, adding: “Sam White was an exceptional candidate, from an outstanding boys’ comprehensive school. We feel that he will be able to build rapidly on the improvements our interim head Jill Hislop is making this year and that the school will go from strength to strength under his leadership.”
In a letter to parents, she said: “I think it is fair to say that there is a real sense of optimism amongst governors about this appointment and I would like to thank all parents and carers for the support they have given us over the past few years. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but I believe we have a very bright future ahead of us now.”
A recent Ofsted inspection found the troubled boys’ school was “emerging well from a period of turbulence” and praised Ms Hislop’s leadership.