New headteacher to start at Sir John Talbot’s Technology College in January

Sir John Talbot’s Technology College in Whitchurch is looking forward to a bright 2014, with a new headteacher set to take up his post in January.  David O’Toole – currently deputy head of Marches School in Oswestry – has been appointed headteacher of Sir John Talbot’s on a two-term secondment.

David has been interim associate headteacher at Sir John Talbot’s since March 2013, working with Sarah Longville, the head of Marches School.  Both were appointed to run the school by an Interim Executive Board put in place by Shropshire Council in December 2012 to help raise standards at the school.

Since then Sir John Talbot’s has seen big improvements, enjoying record GCSE results last summer and being praised by Ofsted inspectors who carried out monitoring visits in May and September 2013.

At their meeting this week (Tuesday 17 December 2013) the Interim Executive Board discussed plans that would build on these improvements and, early in the new year, the Board expects to open up discussion in the local area to ensure everyone in the community is able to express their views about the school’s future.

Kate Campion, chair of the Interim Executive Board, said:

“We’re delighted to have appointed David as the new headteacher on a two-term secondment.  He is very well liked and has done a brilliant job at the school since March, and his appointment means the school can look forward to a period of stability.  Appointing David as our seconded headteacher is part of ensuring the continuity that will be valued by pupils, their parents and the staff at the school.”

David O’Toole said:

“I am very happy to be continuing my work with Sir John Talbot’s as headteacher.  I am ambitious and determined to establish Sir John Talbot’s as the school of choice in Whitchurch. We have established a strong ethos of high standards in all that we do.  We expect the very best of, and for, our students, and will work tirelessly to ensure everyone achieves their potential.”

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services – transformation and safeguarding, said:

“I congratulate David on his appointment and wish him well during what promises to be an exciting and challenging time for the school.  Shropshire Council has been working closely with the school and the Interim Executive Board.  We all want SJT to become the school of choice for all 11- to 18-year-olds in Whitchurch and its surrounding area, and to make sure the pupils are getting the very best education opportunities possible. David’s appointment is a very important development in helping us to do this.”