During the fortnight of half term, my brother Hugh and I have reached agreement with Berkeley Homes over the terms by which Berkeley will partner the School in realising our vision for a new, single campus alongside our Junior Boys site at Ridgeway. Our aspiration for this was first announced some time ago but planning details have taken time to resolve. Our intention now is to move with all speed towards an early submission of plans to the local authority and we will share the timeline for this with you shortly. The new campus will remove many of the shortcomings inherent from our split sites as well as providing a purpose-built environment in which we can deliver the high quality education that you expect. 

We published our info about our project 2 years ago and it’s great to be able to announce we are now pressing on. See http://www.clairescourt.com/new-campus-design for more information. The timeline for the project shows the process as follows:

To facilitate this exciting stage in the School’s development, my brother and I wish to announce the appointment of Justin Spanswick, present Head of Junior Boys, as Executive Headteacher from September 2018. Supporting me in my role, Justin will be working across all sites alongside the current headteachers. His role will encompass strategic and compliance matters, including pupil recruitment and scholarships, new campus implications and parental engagement, overview of operational management and designated safeguarding lead.  The organisational chart of what these changes is shown below. 

In turn we are now actively seeking to appoint a new Head to take on the day to day responsibility of the leadership and management of Junior Boys, with effect from September 2018. As part of his role, Justin’s initial focus will be to support the new Head, facilitating a smooth transition into post and ensuring our School values, ethos and learning philosophy continue to be at the forefront of his successor’s vision for the pupils, parents and staff of Junior Boys. Valuable support will also come from our other collegiate Headteachers, Maggie Heywood, John Rayer and Leanne Barlow, and of course the faculty as a whole.

These appointments will release valuable extra time specifically in my working week as I now join my brother to support our ambitious building proposals through to their successful completion, as well as lead the equally careful planning process needed to bring 800 pupils,  their teachers and support staff across Maidenhead to the new campus. Bearing in mind my title, Academic Principal, all the headteachers, wherever they are based, will continue to report on their educational matters to me; likewise for Administrative matters they will continue to report to Hugh.

At this important time in the life of our School, my brother and I would like to thank you for your valued support as we strive to provide your family with the best learning environment and education possible. We look forward to making further announcements later this term.