Joanne Young, pictured with pupils, has taken over the role following the departure of Executive Principal Ian Evason at the end of the last summer term.

Mrs Young joined Etonbury as Vice Principal in 2019, and became Head of School at the start of the 2022/23 academic year.

She is now looking forward to building on the school’s success of the past few years in her new role.

Mrs Young said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as the new Principal of Etonbury.

“In my time here so far, it has been an honour and privilege to be able to work with the school community and support the school as it has continued to grow and flourish, including a successful Ofsted inspection, where the school moved to Good, in 2020.

“I was really pleased with our GCSE results this year, with grades 10 per cent above the national average, but education is so much more than just exam results.

“I am passionate about the power of education to transform lives and provide opportunities throughout life and our pastoral programme prepares pupils to be responsible global citizens.”

She added: “The aim to ‘develop the learner, develop the person’ is very much our ethos, and I am really excited for the new school year ahead.”

Dr John Christopher, Etonbury's Chair of Governors, said: "On behalf of the Local Governing Body I am very pleased to welcome Mrs Young into her new role as Principal at Etonbury as we start the new academic year.

"In the recruitment process Mrs Young was the outstanding candidate from a strong field of applicants and impressed students, staff, governors and trustees with her clear vision to secure exceptional educational provision and continually improve outcomes for all.

"Mrs Young has been an integral part of the Etonbury journey since 2019 and has the senior leadership experience, vision and drive to lead the Academy into the next exciting phase of development."