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Strengthened Leadership at Burnt Mill Academy
Posted: 26th September 2017The leadership of Burnt Mill Academy is being strengthened further – by a former Harlow schoolgirl.
The outstanding school, in Harlow, is led by the Burnt Mill Academy Trust which is headed up by former headteacher Helena Mills.
John Blaney, responsible for the day to day running of the school for the last two years, has been promoted to the role of executive headteacher. As well as looking after Burnt Mill, he will now also oversee the Trust’s teaching school.
The face of Burnt Mill is now Harlow girl Laura McGlashan, who grew up in the town and has worked at the school for 14 years.
Miss McGlashan, who took up her new role as head of school on September 1, said it’s business as usual at the popular school.
She said: “Helena, John and I have worked together for many years and have very similar expectations when it comes to both teachers and students. I have been lucky enough to learn from these two exceptional people.
“There is nothing I do not believe in at Burnt Mill and so there will be complete consistency. The high standards of behaviour and teaching and learning will continue to be the absolute focus and I will be upholding all the values we already have. We want every child to have the best opportunities academically and within extra-curricular.
“It is very much business as usual.”
Miss McGlashan joined the school in 2003 as a newly qualified teacher, working her way through the ranks as English teacher, second in English, head of English, assistant headteacher and deputy headteacher.
She said: “I always just wanted to be a really good teacher and my heart will always be in the classroom. I will continue to teach English. Our students are brilliant and I want the best for them and the community. This school is all about young people fulfilling their dreams. That is why we have high expectations and high aspirations, because we want them to have the best opportunities they can. We have belief in them and build their confidence so they know they can achieve anything they want if they work hard.
“I am so proud to now be leading the school and feel privileged to have been asked to head up such a fantastic school. We have the most amazing students and dedicated staff; I feel very lucky.”