A THORNBURY head teacher is set to take the reins of troubled Winterbourne International Academy to provide interim leadership for the school during its recovery.

Peter Smart, head teacher of the Castle School will be taking charge of the school from Monday until the end of August, following Winterbourne being taken over by the “interim leadership” of a partnership between the Castle School Education Trust (CSET) and Olympus Education Trust (OAT).

CSET chief executive William Roberts will meanwhile take over Mr Smart’s role at the Castle School.

The Ridings Federation, which runs both Winterbourne and Yate International Academies has faced criticism in recent months, following the revelation that it faced a £1 million deficit in the next academic year, as well as a poor Ofsted inspection result and staff strikes.

Mr Smart said he was really looking forward to using his experience and skills of headship to lead Winterbourne International Academy.

He said: “Over the coming weeks I will be very active in getting to know all members of the school community and ensuring that we focus on the students achieving their very best."

Mr Roberts, a former head teacher of Downend School and executive head teacher of Mangotsfield School, added: “These arrangements give me an excellent opportunity to strengthen my relationship with staff, students and parents at the Castle School, which is the largest school in CSET, and the founding school in the Trust.”

The two academy trusts announced the partnership would be taking over responsibility of the school last month, having put their bid forward alongside a number of other multi-academy trusts, including a bid from Oasis Community Learning, which was heavily criticised by parents, staff and the community.

Dave Baker, CEO of Olympus Academy Trust and interim CEO and accounting officer for Winterbourne, said: “This is a great opportunity for our schools and Trusts in the same locality to share expertise and capacity in order to provide the best possible education and support for all the students in secondary education in the area.

“We are excited about the future for all our schools and their communities.”

Chairman of the Ridings Federation trustees Claire Emery, welcomed Peter as the interim principal, adding that the board were delighted to be working alongside the neighbouring trusts.

She said: “Peter brings many years’ experience of strong leadership in a local academy of a similar size and community and is committed to empowering our students and staff to excel.”