St Joseph’s College
St Joseph’s College in Ipswich has boosted its sports coaching staff – adding league title-winning director of rugby Rowland Winter to its team. Mr Winter guided Coventry RFC to National League One glory in 2018, beckoning a new era at the club and returning them to Championship rugby.
Mr Winter said: “I am excited about the investment St Joseph’s are making into the sporting provision at the school, in particular the ambition and scope to expand the rugby programme. It is an exciting time to be joining and I am looking forward to getting started and playing my part in the future of the school.”
At Coventry RFC, Mr Winter evolved its playing and support staff to a professional standard, with multiple players progressing to premiership and international honours under his leadership.
Prior to this, he led Cambridge RFC in winning the National League 2 title in 2016 as the club’s director of rugby while heading up coaching of the Northampton Saints AASE Academy partnership with Moulton College.
Dukes Education
Suzie Longstaff, the current head of Putney High School, GDST, is joining Dukes Education as the founding principal of London Park School, to establish a new centre of excellence across a number of central London sites, and a London Park Sixth Form in Belgravia.
Suzie will oversee all aspects of the new school, working with the heads of each setting to promote sustainability, both in practice and in the curriculum, ensure high academic standards and embed the LPS ethos across each of the individual sites.
Suzie Longstaff said: “I am thrilled and excited to be the new principal of London Park School. It’s not often that you get the chance to rethink and design a school in this way.
“LPS has the scale, scope and ambition to deliver a truly innovative secondary education for London students… I can’t wait to get started.”
Aatif Hassan, chairman and founder of Dukes Education, said: “Suzie has the dynamism, stature, experience and expertise to deliver a truly exciting education for young people at the new London Park School.”
Fairstead House School and Nursery
The governors of Fairstead House School and Nursery in Newmarket, Suffolk, have appointed Michael Radford as head. Mr Radford, who was previously deputy head at Fairstead House, has been acting head since the beginning of the summer term 2021.
The appointment panel is confident that Mr Radford will embrace his new role with energy and wisdom.
Nicholas Longford, chair of governors, said: “Michael has shown outstanding leadership abilities in guiding Fairstead House through the pandemic and merger with King’s Ely. This, combined with his clear vision and enthusiasm for the school’s future developments, make him exactly the right person to take Fairstead House into the next exciting phase of its history.”
News of Mr Radford’s appointment was warmly welcomed by many parents on Fairstead House’s Facebook page. One parent commented: “Congratulations Mr Radford! Our school is in safe hands.”
Froebelian Nursery
Mrs Ruth Knowles has been appointed as nursey manager at First Steps at Froebelian. The OFSTED-rated ‘Outstanding’ private day nursery in Horsforth is for children aged three months to five years.
Mrs Knowles leads the Pre- School provision at Fulneck independent school in Pudsey where she has enjoyed a successful 18-year career. In her role, she has gained much experience in early years and has been involved in developing and implementing many initiatives.
Mrs Knowles said: “I have already spent some time at First Steps nursery meeting the children and staff and I am very much looking forward to a new challenge, leading the team and building on their excellent work in creating a happy and thriving setting for the children.
Mrs Dodds, headteacher, said: “It is an absolute delight to welcome Mrs Knowles to the Froebelian Family. Her early years’ experience and expertise will enhance the established staff team and ensure First Steps at Froebelian maintains its uniquely happy atmosphere.”
Wellington School
Wellington School has announced that Mark Anscombe will be joining the rugby programme next year. Mark has nearly 30 years’ experience of coaching at an elite level all over the world and has worked as head coach of the New Zealand U20s, head coach at Ulster Rugby and also the Canadian national team.
Mark is the father of current Wales international Gareth Anscombe.
He will be joining Wellington School as a consultant and, as well as working with the boys and girls, he will be focusing on supporting the development of the existing team of coaches to ensure players are getting the very best coaching.
As the rugby programme goes from strength to strength at Wellington, Mark is a welcome addition and the team is delighted to have him on board, says the school.
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