Putney’s Ark Academy has announced the appointment of a new headteacher to replace outgoing head Mark Phillips.
Alison Downey, formerly vice-principal of Burlington Danes Academy in west London, will take over from Mr Phillips for the forthcoming academic year.
She will be supported in her new role by Dame Sally Coates, principal at Burlington Danes, who will serve as executive principal at Ark Putney Academy for the next 12 months.
Elliot School, Ark’s predecessor, was placed in special measures three years ago but now it is bordering on “outstanding” thanks to its latest Ofsted report.
The turnaround was largely attributed to the strong leadership of Mr Phillips, who helped bring the school up from a five GCSE pass rate, including English and maths, of just 43 per cent up to 62 per cent last year.
Ms Downey said: “I am thrilled with my new appointment at Ark Putney. Mark Phillips has done a remarkable job of turning around the school, as demonstrated by the recent Ofsted report.”
The academy was rated as good in all categories in its Ofsted inspection in March 2013.
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