A NEW principal has been appointed at Winterbourne International Academy.

The Ridings’ Federation of Academies has announced that Richard Haupt has been appointed as principal of Winterbourne International Academy, on High Street, following Rob Evans' retirement.

Mr Haupt, who has worked in both secondary and tertiary education within the public and private sector, will succeed Mr Evans on June 1, who is retiring after 33 years at the Academy and its predecessor The Ridings High School, with the last six years as academy principal.

Mr Haupt, whose former roles include head of economics at Gillingham School in Dorset, assistant principal at Angley School in Cranbrook, deputy head at Matravers School in Westbury, head of sixth form at Hastins and assistant dean at Yeovil College, said: “I am really excited about joining The Ridings’ Federation and look forward to nurturing the potential of every student at the Academy.”

Mr Evans, who announced his retirement in January and is said to take time to travel before coaching rugby and working with disadvantaged children, said: “I would like to personally thank the skilled and dedicated staff that I have had the honour of working with. The support and commitment of parents/carers has always been much appreciated and remains a key factor behind our success.”

Chris Smith, chairman of The Ridings’ Federation of Academies Trust, said: “The role as academy principal is an enviable one and the Academy Trust had a vigourous selection progress.

“Richard’s credentials are fantastic and he is a worthy successor to Rob Evans. It is an exciting time for The Ridings’ Federation and its new leadership will drive forward the high expectations of educational standards and student outcomes we have developed over the last five years as a Federation.”