Exciting changes at brilliant Berkshire school

Hungerford students at a fast-improving school have a new well-known head of school and are also benefiting from sharing the Executive Principal, expertise and resources of an award-winning Outstanding academy.

Corinne Walker is now Head of School at the thriving and popular John O’ Gaunt In Berkshire which has just got a Good OFSTED rating for the first time in its history.

And the Principal at St John’s Marlborough, Ian Tucker has become the Executive Principal.

It is an exciting new partnership as the school looks to get even better after the excellent OFSTED report.

The change comes following Alan Henderson’s appointment as Principal of a school in Melksham after four successful years helping JOG enjoy huge improvements.

The 360-student John O’ Gaunt Academy has excellent GCSE results, a fantastic community and charity culture, and a broad extra-curricular programme.

Now with Ian Tucker’s appointment, and the ability to further share resources and expertise from St John’s Marlborough and the exceptional Excalibur Academies Trust, JOG can go from strength to strength.

Ian, who will share his time between St John’s and JOG, said: “Alan has done a tremendous job with John O’ Gaunt. It is a happy, community school with brilliant students. 

“I look forward to becoming part of its future and helping it to continue to soar. 

“This exciting new era of multi academy trusts is all about partnership, sharing and collaboration to improve the life chances of every single child.”

Corinne, who is very well known to students, parents and the community of Hungerford, said: “It is a joy to be part of JOG’s wonderful community and by being able to share ideas, expertise and staff with other schools in EAT and with St John’s Marlborough, this is a tremendously positive move all round.”

Alan said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my four years at John O’ Gaunt and will miss the students, staff and lovely community that the school is. It is being left in safe hands that I’m confident will be able to further improve what is a brilliant school.” 

Formed in 2012, Excalibur Academies Trust have become one of the region’s best multi academy trusts, with high performances, a strong family ethos, values and moral code urging respect for others, personal pride, determination and outstanding personal integrity.

The move fits perfectly with John O’ Gaunt’s mission to create world-class students – exemplified by their links with Bear Grylls and innovative work.