A new school in Hailsham set to open later this year as part of the successful Beckmead Trust has announced the appointment of the school’s first headteacher.
The Ropemakers’ Academy will open in new buildings on the edge of Hailsham in September after being approved by the Department for Education. Its first headteacher is Simon Hawthorne, who will oversee the pre-opening work and then lead the education of 80 pupils aged four to 16 identified as having social, emotional and mental health needs.
The school will work collaboratively with East Sussex County Council, mainstream schools, multi-agencies and families to deliver world-class provision for these vulnerable children and young people.
The Beckmead Trust, which leads the new free school, is a behaviour-based organisation, whose provision is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. It delivers high-quality education and support to traumatised children and young people aged five to 19 with a range of social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, autism and extremely challenging behaviour across eight sites currently.
Mr Hawthorne, who is Beckmead’s first Headteacher outside London, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role, and joins The Beckmead Trust from the Ark academy trust, for whom he worked at schools in Hastings first as a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)/Inclusion Manager, and as a Regional Inclusion Lead (supporting Special Needs and Inclusion teams across three primaries and two secondaries) as well as in Assistant Head and Deputy Head roles.
Simon Hawthorne, Headteacher of The Ropemakers’ Academy, said; “I’m incredibly excited to be joining The Beckmead Trust and The Ropemakers’ Academy.
He added; “The Beckmead Trust shares my absolute commitment to transforming the lives of vulnerable children and young people and has a proven track record of success. My vision for education is built firmly about the desire for social equality and access to opportunity for all, and I passionately and wholeheartedly believe that all children, regardless of their needs or background, can achieve and are entitled to the very best educational opportunities.
“I look forward to progressing the development of the school ahead of September and then to delivering amazing educational experiences for our students from the first day we open.”
Dr Jonty Clark OBE, Chief Executive of The Beckmead Trust, said; “We are delighted to welcome Simon Hawthorne to the Beckmead family. Simon is a brilliant teacher and was the stand-out candidate from a very strong field. We look forward to the impact he will make as the first Headteacher of the new Ropemakers’ Academy.”
