New Executive Principal for The Deanery

The Park Academies Trust has announced the appointment of Jon Young as the new Executive Principal at The Deanery.

Mr Young will take on the role from September.

The Deanery CE Academy in Wichelstowe was judged to be 'inadequate' by an Ofsted inspection, carried out on 12 and 13 September 2023. Since that time Kelly Osborne-James has been acting as interim headteacher.

Following the Special Measures judgement from Ofsted, a Termination Warning Notice was issued to DBAT from the Department for Education (DfE). This resulted in a decision that both The Deanery Academy and Kingfisher primary school and nursery in Wichelstowe would join the Swindon-based Park Academies Trust in September 2024.

Mr Young brings a wealth of experience and leadership to The Deanery with a proven track record of leading a dedicated staff team as Principal at Abbey Park School.

In his new role, Mr Young will be the Executive Principal of both schools. Jon Ward will be the new Head of School at Abbey Park from this September. 

Since Abbey Park School joined TPAT in 2016 it has gone from strength to strength. As principal, Mr Young has overseen the school’s best ever exam results, Ofsted graded the school as ‘good’ in January 2023. 

He's been an important part of the team that has built strong relationships with feeder primary schools and established a successful transition model with Red Oaks Primary.

Jon Young, Executive Principal, said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be taking on this new Executive Principal role. By working together, two schools can grow stronger together and we aim to deliver the best education to all our pupils at both schools.

“The Trust has a proven track record of school improvement and I look forward to meeting staff, parents, carers and pupils at The Deanery to discuss our ambitions for the future.”     

James Nicholson, Interim CEO, The Park Academies Trust said: “Mr Young is the perfect choice to take on the new role because he brings proven leadership and clear objectives - that will benefit all staff, pupils and families at both schools.

“At Abbey Park School we’ve seen pupils achieve great results thanks to a focus on building a strong school community alongside an ambitious curriculum and inclusive culture. We look forward to the Deanery, the latest school to join TPAT, seeing the benefits of being part of the Trust with Mr Young as Executive Principal.”  

The Deanery’s interim Headteacher Kelly Osborne-James will be leaving the school at the end of the summer term with a new Head of School due to be appointed in the next academic year. 

Kelly Osborne-James, Interim Headteacher, The Deanery, said: "Staff and pupils are looking forward to working with the other schools in The Park Academy Trust and it has been a privilege to have led the school during this period of transformation.

“We’re delighted to be welcoming Jon Young, the new Executive Principal, to the school and I know that the collaboration and shared resources across the Trust will be invaluable in helping all of our students flourish".