NEW College Durham Academies Trust has announced the appointment of Angela Sweeten as the new principal of North Durham Academy, in Stanley.

Kevin Reynolds will continue in his role as executive principal and will be based at Consett Academy.

Trust chair John Widdowson said: “ As a national leader of education, Mrs Sweeten brings a wealth of experience to the post having had the privilege of working for one of the country’s leading educational trusts.

"She has already achieved three successful headships in her career, leading one school to outstanding Ofsted ratings in all categories and taking another from the verge of special measures to becoming the second highest achieving academy in the locality.”

Mrs Sweeten will be outlining her vision for the school and answering any questions. at a ‘meet-and-greet’ open evening to at the academy from 6pm on Wednesday May 8.

She said: “I feel privileged to be starting at a significant point on North Durham Academy’s journey to becoming an outstanding educational provision and pivotal centre for the local community.

"I always have children at the heart of my leadership and believe that they are the single priority of any school. My intention is to realise the vision of delivering exceptional inclusive, progressive and excellent practice in everything we do.”