A FORMER pupil will be head of school at The Hill Primary in Thurnscoe from September.
Luke Harper is currently assistant head at Kirk Balk Academy in Hoyland - predicted to be in the top ten per cent of the country for exam attainment this summer - and prior to that, was head of geography at Don Valley Academy. While at Don Valley, he was part of the team which saw the school transform from special measures to a good Ofsted rating in just two years.
Luke grew up on Holly Bush Drive in Thurnscoe.
Astrea Academy Trust, which runs The Hill, thinks that gives him a personal understanding of the area and the challenges families face.
Astrea chief executive Libby Nicholas said: “We are absolutely delighted to have appointed Luke as our new head of school. He has a stellar track record as an educator and as a leader. I have no doubt that he will prove to be a real inspiration to the pupils, having walked in their shoes and lived and breathed life as a pupil at The Hill.
“Jo Leishman will continue as executive principal of the Hill and will be working closely with Luke to steer the school through this next phase of its development and to bring to life our commitment of an education that inspires beyond measure.”
Luke said: “Whilst at The Hill Primary Academy, I was inspired to be the best I could be by fantastic teachers. I’ve returned to help the pupils and community learn more, dream more, and do more.”
