A NEW principal has taken the helm at a York secondary school.

Toby Eastaugh, who has previously lead schools in Kirklees and Barnsley, took over at the helm of Vale of York Academy in Clifton on January 1.

Mr Eastaugh, 54, is now in his fourteenth year as a serving head teacher and has held senior leadership roles across schools both in London and the Yorkshire and Humber region for more than 20 years. He lives in Harrogate with his wife, who is also a teacher, and two teenage daughters.

He said: “I want to ensure we provide our young people with the best possible experience during their time with us. As a father of two teenage girls, I know how much faith parents put in a school when they entrust us with the education and care of their children.

“I can clearly see the improvements which have been made thus far and also the huge potential of our children. Vale of York Academy is blessed with a student body that is well-behaved and ready to learn and a staff committed to doing the best they can for the students.

“I’m excited about the future and keen to continue on the rapid journey of improvement that the academy has been on over the last few years.”

Brian Crosby, chief executive officer of the Hope Learning Trust said: “We welcome Toby in to the Hope family and are really looking forward to working with him. He has a huge passion for and commitment to working with schools who are on an improvement journey and has a huge amount of experience and knowledge to share. I am looking forward to seeing Vale of York Academy go from strength to strength.”

Mr Eastaugh succeeds Helen Dowds as Principal. Mrs Dowds remains within the Hope Learning Trust as Executive Lead for Scarborough.

Vale of York Academy is part of the Hope Learning Trust, along with Manor CE Academy, Barlby High, Poppleton Ousebank Primary, Burton Green Primary, Forest of Galtres Primary and Baldersby St James CE Primary. The Trust is also currently supporting two secondary schools in Scarborough, George Pindar and Graham School.