Brighton school appoints new head

The Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) has appointed a new principal.

Dylan Davies, who is currently senior vice-principal at the City of London Academy in Southwark, will take over running the school in Falmer in January next year.

In the meantime Michael Brett will continue to serve as interim principal. He took up the post in May and will be supported in the role by Mrs Hogg until she retires at the end of this term.

Mr Davies joined City of London Academy nine years ago as head of science.

Dylan Davies

Since he has been senior vice principal the schools GCSE results have improved year on year.

The proportion of pupils passing five GCSEs including English and maths with grades from A* to C rose 18 percentage points to 61 per cent last year.

As a result the school was one of the top ten most improved secondary schools in London.

Mr Davies has previously taught in schools in the south east of England, Wales and Japan during a career spanning 20 years in secondary education.

Sir Rod Aldridge, chairman of BACA’s sponsor, the Aldridge Foundation, said: “Dylan Davies brings experience and ideas of working in a community-focused academy and is passionate about developing inclusive and engaging teaching, promoting the development of young people to become creative, innovative, successful and responsible citizens.”

“Under Mrs Hogg’s 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 December 2012 Ofsted rated the quality of teaching, behaviour, leadership and management within the academy ‘good’.

“She has done an exceptional job and the students and community deserve an exceptional candidate to succeed her. In Dylan Davies I believe we have found just that.”

Phil Hogg

Peter Kyle, chair of the BACA board of governors, said: “The governors are really pleased that Dylan brings with him all of the qualities needed to continue Phil Hogg’s achievements and BACA’s academic development, while becoming even more of a community hub.

“Until he joins the academy I know that Michael Brett, who has been instrumental in the success of BACA to date, will continue the development of the academy.”

Mr Davies said: “I am very much looking forward to joining the BACA community.

“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting students, staff and governors at the academy during my interview process and see so many opportunities for continuing and celebrating the wonderful success story that is BACA.”

“I was made to feel very much a part of the school from the moment I entered the building and was immediately impressed by the academy’s calm, positive and studious ethos.

“I met many happy young people and know I am lucky to have been chosen to be the next principal of such an exciting and forward-thinking school.

“It is going to be an honour to be a part of BACA’s future.”

Philomena (Phil) Hogg joined the academy, formerly Falmer High School, in 2009 and announced her intention to retire last autumn. She is due to retire at the end of this term.