12 March 2018
It was my great pleasure to be present on Friday when the Chair of Governors, Matthew Watkins, announced my permanent appointment to the staff during Friday’s staff briefing.
I have made no secret that I felt an immediate connection with The Buckingham School, and I made it clear to the governors from day one that I would welcome the opportunity to lead the school for years to come. Clearly I am delighted, but I am well aware that it is the welcome that I received from students, staff, parents and governors that allowed me to feel at home so quickly.
The Buckingham School has many great things in place, and so much potential to build further. The school’s reputation is rapidly improving, but is still behind the reality: we are some way ahead of the community’s memory of what The Buckingham School was like, even as recently as only five years ago. Those who know us have seen for themselves how good behaviour and attendance is, and how much our students grow and achieve. We take pride in our appearance, understand the value of hard work and enjoy coming to school.
My vision isn’t terribly complicated. Our people are our greatest asset. Our students are almost without exception polite, well-presented and respectful. Some have huge academic flair, some have other abilities and talents that are just as valuable. They are hungry to achieve success and I believe that the school can both offer them even more opportunity but, crucially, expect even more from them.
The staff are loyal and committed and the students are in the best possible hands when they need help and support. The potential of the leadership team to drive further improvements is significant. Our parents are almost without exception supportive and our governors want nothing but the best for this school. So …what are we waiting for?
I plan to ask the students, the staff and the wider community about what they feel the aims of the school should be. This will enable us to build a vision for the school based around the aspirations and needs of our community, and around my core vision of:
Community: an outward looking school, in the centre of a community that cherishes its school
Outstanding Staff: exceptional performance by all
Improvement: a culture of continuous school improvement underpinned by transparency and accountability
Success for All: outcomes to be proud of (in other words, great results)
Character: resilient students, who feel inspired by school and the opportunities ahead of them in life (in other words, so much more that great results).
This year is far from over, and there is much work to do. However, the planning for next year starts now, and next term I look forward to consulting with our community and developing our shared vision for the years ahead.
Mr Andy McGinnes
