Ormiston Rivers Academy, Burnham announce new headteacher

Emma Baker took over at Burnham’s Ormiston Rivers Academy earlier this month.

She replaces Joan Costello who stepped down after more than a decade in the role and is looking forward to carrying on her predecessor’s legacy.

Mrs Baker was previously vice-principal at Witham’s Maltings Academy, which rose from “requires improvement” to an “outstanding” Ofsted rating in just four years, before being appointed principal there.

Mrs Baker said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as principal at Ormiston Rivers.

“In my short time at the academy, I have already been impressed with the positive attitude of students and how welcome they have made me feel.

“This is an exciting time for Rivers and the children and families we serve within the local community and, along with all our staff members, I am looking forward to helping our students achieve great things.”

In 2017, Mrs Baker won the prestigious Secondary Headteacher of the Year Award at the annual Pearson Teaching Awards.

She also has an impressive history of experience, having also served as vice-principal for teaching and learning and assistant vice-principal for data, assessment and exams at Palatine Sports College in Blackpool.

Ormiston River, which was rated ‘good’ after its last Ofsted inspection, in 2016, is due for its next routine inspection in 2020 and now has a new opportunity to rise to ‘outstanding’.

An school spokesman said: “We strive to recognise the differing skills and needs of all students and develop lessons that inspire, engage and respond to their areas to improve.

“We have celebrated strong progression and outcomes for pupils in recent years.”

Mrs Baker is now working alongside the school’s leadership team, Ormiston Academies Trust, the board of governors and the wider school community to maintain the school’s high standards.

She said she aims to ensure all pupils learn skills such as resilience and resourcefulness to be prepared for whatever lies ahead.