A HEAD TEACHER once invited to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister after her school was named one of the most improved in the country is leaving Barnsley to work in the North East.
Kate Davies left her role as principal at Darton College on Friday, after 12 years working in education in Barnsley.
She had previously told the Chronicle she wanted to stay on and lead the fight-back after Darton was left bruised by a damning Ofsted report late last year, putting it into special measures.
She received the backing of Pepe Di’Iasio, who was initially brought in from Wales High School in Rotherham as executive head teacher to oversee the turnaround.
But her departure comes just weeks after it was announced Delta Academies Trust had instead been selected by the government to take over the running of the school, and Mr Di’lasio has also now left Darton.
Kate, who made the rare transition to secondary headship after previously leading Worsbrough Common Primary School, is now returning to primary education where she will head a large primary school in Stockton on Tees.
“This has been an extremely difficult decision to make,” she said.
“I would like to thank my incredible team of staff, whose contribution to the college has been invaluable; over the past four years, they have consistently demonstrated their passion and commitment to the young people in our care. I also feel fortunate to have worked for a community, and with parents, who have shown unwavering support to the school.
“Lastly, but most importantly, I’d like to thank all the amazing Darton learners; it has been an absolute joy and privilege to be your principal. I am proud to have been able to teach so many of you and watch your journey through DC. You are the thing I will miss the most.
“I sincerely wish everyone the very best as the school makes its transition to Delta Academies Trust.
“I have worked in Barnsley for over 12 years and have a great fondness for the town, have made many happy memories and great friends and colleagues. I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support I have received over the last week.”
Kate was invited to Downing Street in 2010 to meet then prime minister Gordon Brown when Worsbrough Common was named one of the most improved schools in the country.
At Darton she inherited a school rated good by Ofsted, but with a severe financial deficit. She returned it to financial good health. But last summer’s GCSE results were poorer than expected and were followed by a damning Ofsted report, published in December.
Steve Wragg, chairman of Darton’s interim executive board, which replaced the previous governing body, said: “Darton is going to miss Kate, and it is a shame that Barnsley is going to lose someone of Kate’s professional experience and skills.
“I really would like to compliment Kate on her absolute professionalism, throughout her time at Darton, but particularly during these last six months which have been extremely difficult for everyone.”
