Head-hunted!

Saturday 30 May 2015

An award-winning headteacher is leaving Grainville School for a two-year secondment in the UK.

John McGuinness – who was named Public Sector Director of the Year in 2014 by the Institute of Directors- will take over the reins of Academy 360, a primary and secondary school in Sunderland.

His place at Grainville will be filled during his absence by a teacher from within the Jersey system – but the Education department haven’t yet revealed who that will be.

The department say that the secondment is a great way for headteachers to create new links and share knowledge and skills.

Mr McGuinness, who has been at Grainville since 2009, said: “This move to Sunderland is an exciting opportunity for me on a personal level but will also benefit education in Jersey.

“It is vital for head teachers to continue learning themselves and explore new ways to keep driving improvements in their schools.

“I will be able to share my invaluable experience at Grainville but also bring back a fresh perspective.

“I look forward to working with the students, local community, parents, staff, Northern Education and Gentoo, who sponsor my new school, to build on the work of my predecessor, Sir Ken Gibson. I am committed to ensuring that parents and the community can be proud of the academic success.”