Executive headteacher to oversee both Spalding Grammar School and Spalding High School, with governors saying it’s ‘business as usual’

An executive headteacher will oversee two town schools from September, it has been announced.

A letter sent to parents of Spalding Grammar and Spalding High School pupils this morning (Monday, July 1) outlined the changes, stating it will be ‘business as usual’ at both centres.

Current High School head Michele Anderson will step into the role, which will begin in September at the beginning of the 2024/25 academic year, although it has not been confirmed that this will be a permanent position.

Spalding Grammar School, head Steven Wilkinson will leave his role at the end of term to take on a teaching role in Yorkshire, saying ‘now is the time to hand over to someone else’.

“In order to provide time for the SGS Board of Trustees to best plan for the future, Mrs Anderson, headmistress of Spalding High School, has been asked to lead both schools as executive head teacher for the academic year 2024/2025,” explained a letter signed by Craig Delaney, chair of governors at Spalding Grammar School, and Diane Mulley, chair of governors at Spalding High School.

“Mrs Anderson will be supported in this role by the experienced and committed senior leadership teams at SGS and SHS and it will be business as usual for both schools.

“SGS and SHS have a longstanding relationship of working together and given that Ofsted inspected both schools this academic year, school improvement work will continue as planned.

Under Mrs Anderson’s leadership the High School received an ‘outstanding Ofsted grading in December.

The letter added that both schools will maintain their own identities.

“The schools are similar in many ways but each has its own distinctive characteristics, and these will remain,” it added.

“Both the Spalding Grammar School Trust and the Spalding High School Board of Governors are keen to stress that the Schools will continue as separate schools; this is not an amalgamation or multi-academy trust formation.

“Mrs Anderson will continue to play just as important a part of school life at SHS and is also looking forward to building relationships with students, parents and staff at SGS.

“The SGS Trust is grateful that both Mrs Anderson and the SHS Board of Governors have agreed to her executive headship, which is also supported by Martin Smith, assistant director of education for Lincolnshire County Council.”

The letter added: “The SGS Trustees are grateful to Mr Wilkinson for his nine years’ service to Spalding Grammar School, he will be much missed.”