Thorns Community College has announced the appointment of its new Head Teacher, Manny Kelay, who took on the leadership of Thorns after the Easter break.
Acting Head Teacher Gary Baker will return to the role of Deputy Head.
Mr Kelay, who was previously Associate Head Teacher of the ACE Academy in Tipton, has written to Thorns parents to express his commitment to working in partnership with them.
He said: “I believe that education sets a young person free to experience the life that they choose, not one imposed upon them by society.
“I have taught for over twenty years in very contrasting secondary schools and enjoyed brief but life changing experiences in South Africa, India and China.
“On all the days that I have taught or experienced education, I have never once doubted that high levels of achievement in education rest on building each child’s desire and self-confidence to learn.
“This desire and confidence stems from us (adults) working together to make it happen.”
With a new Head Teacher in place, the school will continue to work towards academy conversion with the Ofsted Outstanding rated Shireland Collegiate Academy.
Sir Mark Grundy, Executive Principal of the Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust said: “Mr Kelay is a strong and experienced school leader who will nurture Thorns to great achievements.
“We will be working closely with Mr Kelay and the excellent senior team at the school as we continue to develop the best curriculum experience for our students at Thorns.
“I would also like to extend my sincerest thanks to Acting Head Teacher Gary Baker for his excellent leadership during this process.”
