THE new leadership team that will take the helm of St Clere's School in Stanford-le-Hope at the end of the current academic year has been announced.

Confirmation by the chair of governors at St Clere's, Dawn Gough, follows news released last year that current head Mrs Ashlie Hughes is to retire – and the pending departure of current head of school Jay Callender is to take up a senior post within the South West Essex Community Education Trust that runs Williams Edwards School and Orsett Heath Academy. The trust also runs Chadwell St Mary, Stifford Clays and Deneholm primary schools.

Leaving St Clere's. Jay Callender and Ashlie Hughes.

The new head of school at St Clere's  will be Jon Purkiss who started his teaching career at the Butts Lane school in 2005 and has since held various roles and has been a Deputy Head since 2016.

Mr Purkiss will be supported by an executive head teacher operating within the overarching Osborne Trust.

Currently head at Roding Valley High in Loughton Mrs Sharon Jenner, joins the Osborne Trust with 'a wealth of knowledge and experience of managing education from 11-19 years'.  

Sharon Jenner

Ms Gough says: "The Governing Body look forward to working with the new team, building on the strong foundations established by Mrs Hughes and Mr Callender, to continue the growth of St Clere's School for the future.

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She also paid tribute to Mr Callender, saying: "Mr Callender joined St Clere's in 2005 as a Head of Year and was appointed Deputy Head Teacher and more recently, Head of School.

"He has supported many pupils and families in his pastoral role as well as teaching pupils.

"The Trust, governors and school, wish him all the best in his exciting new role."