24/01/2008

A dynamic top teacher who has been chosen as Principal to head up one of the new academies in the North East is named today.

Janet Bridges - whose success as head teacher in transforming her previous Stanley School of Technology in County Durham to one of the best in the country has been recognised by the Government - has been appointed to lead the new academy in Sunderland.

And the academy, which will open on the existing Castle View School site in September 2009 in brand new iconic buildings as a visionary exemplar of sustainable design, will be called Castle View Enterprise Academy.

Students of the current Castle View school worked on the project to create the name for their new centre of learning for youngsters aged 11 to 17 which they chose to reflect the specialism of the academy without losing the heritage of the existing school.

Northumbrian Water is the lead sponsor for the Castle View Enterprise Academy which will offer a new approach to teenage education. It is one of three being created in Sunderland as part of a unique and leading national model for education as part of Sunderland City Council’s flagship Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

Gateshead-born Janet, aged 47, has been appointed to start her new job in April 2008 to allow her to help plan, develop and shape the future of her academy.

After graduating from Newcastle University she taught at Amble and Ashington in Northumberland and Easington in County Durham before becoming head teacher of Stanley School of Technology in 2002.

Latest results from Stanley School of Technology have earned it recognition as one of the highest performing secondary schools in the country when looking at the ability of students on entry and how much value is added to their ability during their time at school.

Janet said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my years leading the school in Stanley and will be sad to leave but am looking forward to my exciting new challenge with such an important role in a high profile project and working alongside parents, students and the wider community.”

John Cuthbert, Managing Director of Northumbrian Water, said: “We are delighted to have recruited someone as successful and well qualified as Janet to lead Castle View Enterprise Academy. We look forward very much to working with Janet and her colleagues in the Academy. Janet has a key role in this exciting project and I am confident she will make a significant contribution.”

For further information and to arrange an interview with Janet Bridges contact:

Alistair Baker on 0191-301-6851 or 07711-793493.