A THURROCK secondary school is set to get a new headteacher.

Joanne Williams was recruited to the helm of Stanford-le-Hope's Hassenbrook Academy in 2017 when it was going through tough times, have been put in special measures by Ofsted.

It had gone through a four year crash from 'satisfactory' in 2012 to 'requires improvement' and then 'inadequate'.

That slump coincided with the initial years of the former Hassenbrook School, managed by Thurrock Council, becoming a self-governing academy in 2011.

In 2016 the school joined the Ortu Federation, which runs neighbouring Gable Hall School and Ms Williams was appointed.

Under her guidance the school has moved a couple of tiers back up the grading scale and through it is currently still rated as 'requires improvement' it is generally recognised to be on an upward trend.

Its last full Ofsted inspection was in 2019 when inspectors said: "The vision for improvement is clear. The emerging culture and ethos within the school are rooted in high expectations of staff and pupils' performance."

Inspectors returned for a non-grading virtual visit in November last year to check it was coping with the problems of the Covid lockdown and found the school was coping well..

Today (Monday, 26 April) the Federation announced that Mrs Sally Feeney, currently the senior vice-principal at Gable Hall, will be the new interim headteacher starting 1 September 1.

A statement says: "Sally is a popular and respected member of the senior leadership team at Ortu Gable Hall and has supported Hassenbrook Academy for many years as part of the Ortu Federation's commitment to share expertise and skills across all partnered schools.

To ensure a smooth transition, Mrs Feeney starts work with immediate effect in tandem with the current Headteacher, Ms Joanne Williams, after which, Jo will begin her new role at an Essex Secondary school in September, with Sally Feeney leading Hassenbrook Academy going forward."

Mrs Feeney said: "I have been a leader within the Ortu Federation of Schools since its inception and a teacher locally for good few years before then!

"I exist to ensure that all children have a safe, happy, inspired and successful experience of school and I look forward with excitement to the work which we as staff and parents will do together to continue the excellent journey of improvement already being delivered at Hassenbrook.

"I am particularly pleased that I am able to begin working alongside Ms Williams and the senior leadership team until the end of the summer term to ensure a smooth transition for all our students and parents.

"As we all know, the past year has tested many of us, none more so than perhaps the talented teachers across our country, so I am very honoured to be taking up the position of Headteacher and to be leading this strong and dynamic team at Hassenbrook on their path of achievement."

Ms Williams said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Hassenbrook. I am confident that I am leaving the school in the extremely capable hands of Ms Feeney, who will undoubtedly continue to improve and deliver success to each and every pupil.

"While I am excited to take on my next challenge, I leave knowing that I will miss my brilliant colleagues, my supportive leadership team and the bright and happy students of Hassenbrook Academy and would like to thank everybody for their well wishes and support over the years."

Dr Sophina Asong, CEO of the Ortu Trust said: "The entire Ortu Community wishes Ms Williams bags of success and happiness in her new role, and we thank her heartily her for skilful stewardship of Hassenbrook through historically challenging times, working tirelessly as is her wont on behalf of Hassenbrook students and parents.

"We are delighted and fortunate that Ms Feeney has agreed to lead Ortu Hassenbrook Academy and we have all been impressed with her steady hand, intellectual strength, consistent enthusiasm, passion and commitment for Hassenbrook demonstrated over many years of dedicated work as a Senior Leader