Fantastic community school to welcome new Headteacher next month

The excellent John O’Gaunt School in Hungerford is delighted to welcome Richard Hawthorne as its new Head of School.

Following a rigorous interview process from a strong field of candidates in March this year, John O’Gaunt School in Hungerford and Excalibur Academies Trust is pleased to announce that Mr Hawthorne will be starting on 1st June this year.

Having agreed to look after the school for a year, current Head of School, Mrs Walker said she was delighted to see Mr Hawthorne appointed to the substantive post at John O’Gaunt. 

She will continue in her role as Vice Principal at the school, supporting Mr Hawthorne, the staff and students to develop the school and build on the many strengths identified in last year’s ‘Good’ rating by OFSTED.

Mr Hawthorne brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role. 

He joins Excalibur Academies Trust from the Maiden Erlegh Trust, where he is currently a Deputy Headteacher and has previously held a variety of roles across Berkshire including Acting Head of School, Assistant Headteacher, Teaching School Director and Education Consultant.

Mr Hawthorne said: “It is a real privilege to have been appointed by the school Governors and Excalibur Academies Trust to lead such a fantastic school. 

“The sense of community at John O’Gaunt is palpable and it is clear that the staff and students are rightly proud of a school where both academic success and personal development are equally important.”

He added: “The Trust shares my total commitment to providing an excellent education that empowers every individual to thrive and grow into resilient, dynamic and successful people.” 

Mr Hawthorne paid tribute to the work of Mrs Walker, saying: “I am extremely grateful to Mrs Walker and her team and it is evident that she has done a great job at the school this past year.” 

He added: “I am incredibly excited to make a start, working alongside Mrs Walker, the staff and whole school community to make John O’Gaunt a truly excellent school.”

Lucy Lee, Chair of Governors, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Richard Hawthorne as Head of School, effective from 1st June. 

“He brings a wealth of experience that will be of great benefit to our JOG community.”

Ian Tucker, Executive Principal, said: “We are delighted to have Mr Hawthorne to lead the school as it goes from strength to strength. He brings a great deal of experience and we are excited by the prospect of his strong and clear leadership track record.”

Nicky Edmonson CEO, said: “Excalibur Academies Trust is looking forward to welcoming Richard into our family of schools and supporting him in his exciting new role at John O’Gaunt.”