THE new academic year will bring wholesale changes to Queen Katherine School in Kendal following the departure of its current headteacher after 14 years.

Jon Hayes has been appointed as the new headteacher and will begin his role in September.

His arrival comes as current headteacher Gareth Roscoe leaves to seek a new challenge at a school in North Devon.

But they are not the only high profile changes at the Appleby Road school because former headteacher Stephen Wilkinson, who still works at the school, is set to take-up the position of part-time executive headteacher of the Queen Katherine Multi Academy Trust, also in September.

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Mr Roscoe, speaking about his departure from the school, said: "After 14 years at The Queen Katherine School it will be difficult to say goodbye to many colleagues, students and parents. However, I am looking forward to a new challenge in North Devon. This will be an opportunity to continue to develop teaching and learning and support the progress of young people and the community.”

Mr Wilkinson said: "I am delighted that Gareth has secured his second headship at a really good school in another beautiful part of the country. Gareth’s contribution to our school and the work of the Multi Academy Trust, Teaching School Alliance, South Lakes Federation and Kendal Collaborative Partnership has been truly outstanding."

The Executive Head continued by heaping praise on the school's new arrival.

“Governors have made an excellent appointment in Jon Hayes," said Mr Wilkinson. "He will build on the brilliant work done by Gareth and his leadership team."

Jon Hayes joins the leadership team from Albany Academy in Chorley, Lancashire, where he has been headteacher since September 2011.

Albany Academy is itself a Multi Academy Trust so he is familiar with this aspect of the organisation.

He is also excited to head The Queen Katherine Teaching School Alliance.

Mr Hayes said: "I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as the headteacher at The Queen Katherine School and I am looking forward to starting in September, getting to know the students and staff and continuing the development and success of this outstanding school."