New head appointed at The Grange School in Christchurch

Deborah Hawkins, currently vice-principal at the “outstanding” Glenmoor and Winton academies in Bournemouth, will be joining the school from September.

The change follows a decision by Liz Garman, current head of school, to retire at the end of the academic year.

Having worked for over 20 years at Twynham School, Liz joined The Grange School (TGS) in 2018 shortly after it had been given an “inadequate” rating.

Working closely with executive headteacher for both schools, Jy Taylor, and the Twynham Learning mutli-academy trust, Liz took the school on rapid improvement journey and was able to lead them to their first “good” judgement from Ofsted in over a decade.

Jy Taylor said: “What Liz and the team at TGS have achieved in the last few years – and in the midst of a world pandemic – is nothing short of remarkable. I am sure that students and parents alike will want to wish her well in her retirement.”

Liz Garman, the current Head of School.

Since her appointment, Mrs Hawkins has already spent some time at the school getting to know staff and students.

She is passionate about all children having equitable access to a world-class education, giving them a chance to achieve qualifications that will enable them to have great lives.

She said: “I am excited about working within the Twynham learning Trust as TGS secures its place as a beacon for excellence at the heart of its community.”

Discussing the upcoming arrival of Deborah Hawkins, Jy Taylor said: “Deborah has been part of an outstanding leadership team at the GW academies that have seen the students at both schools achieve some of the very best academic outcomes in the country.

"We are looking forward to working with Deborah and I know that her experience will help not just TGS but the ongoing partnership between Twynham School and The Grange School as we strive to deliver a really exceptional education for all young people across our town.”