A Coventry independent school has announced the appointment of Chris Staley as its next principal.
Boasting close to three decades’ experience in the sector, Staley comes to Bablake and King Henry VIII School (BKHS) having spent the last seven years as head of Wisbech Grammar School.
“I am very pleased to have been appointed and I am excited by the amazing opportunities and possibilities this post presents to the Coventry School Foundation,” he said.
“We have all been through significant amounts of change over the last 18 months and the foundation needs to ensure it is in the very best position to deliver a top-class education to the current and future pupils in a world that is changing rapidly.”
The Melbourne-born Staley will not become principal until the next academic year, but is set to spend a “considerable amount of time” getting to know BKHS staff and students before formally acceding to the role.
“I look forward to working with all stakeholders – pupils, parents, staff, former pupils, governors and the people of Coventry, to ensure that their voices are heard,” he added.
“We want to make sure that we embrace any opportunities offered, but we must ensure the beating hearts and the unique DNA of each of the wonderful schools within our foundation remains our top priority. I look forward to meeting pupils, parents and staff in the coming months.”
From the archive: Back in 2016, we reported on the Bablake sixth former selected to represent Great Britain at an international wheelchair basketball tournament
Prior to Wisbech, Staley taught for 15 years at Cranleigh School, preceded by two years working at a maintained day school in Kent.
Besides his headship, he is also a visiting lecturer to MBA students, specialising in topics including communication, marketing, leadership, resource management and strategic thinking.
In other appointments news at BKHS, Ian Dunn has been announced as the school’s chair.
“It is clear that there are very many things to celebrate at BKHS – great academic results, super pastoral care and a passion to develop wonderful young people,” he said.
“The senior leaders, teachers and support staff that I have had chance to meet so far have all been very generous in sharing their knowledge and understanding and I look forward to meeting many more of you.
“I will work equally hard to support them in their important task of leading the school to the brightest of futures.”
