The Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) has appointed an interim principal who will take up his post next week.
BACA vice-principal Michael Brett will take over running the school on the retirement of 56-year-old Philomena (Phil) Hogg.
A letter was sent to parents this afternoon (Tuesday 7 May) by Peter Kyle, chairman of the BACA board of governors.
Mrs Hogg announced last autumn that she would retire – and she is due to leave in July at the end of the summer term.
She joined the school in September 2009 when it was Falmer High School, a year before it became an academy.
Mr Brett becomes interim principal next Monday (13 May) and will be supported by Mrs Hogg during the transition while the school readvertises for a permanent principal.
Mr Kyle said: “Michael Brett’s appointment will ensure a smooth and seamless transition into the next academic year for all students and staff.
“Myself as chair, the board of governors and the sponsor are unanimous in believing that Mr Brett is best placed to lead the academy during this period.
“He has been instrumental in ensuring that our students experience an excellent standard of education supported by exceptional care, guidance and support, and has extensive knowledge of the local community, students and staff at the academy having taught in the local area for a number of years.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Hogg on behalf of all the students, parents and carers, staff and governors who have benefited enormously from her hard work, commitment and enthusiasm over the past four years.
“Under her leadership the academy has had a number of successes, most notably an 86 per cent improvement in students achieving five A* to C grade GCSEs including English and maths since opening.
“In 2010 we won a National Award for Academy Development and in December 2012 Ofsted reported that the quality of teaching, behaviour, leadership and management within the academy was ‘good’.”
