A new headteacher has been appointed to take over at Cowes Enterprise College on the Isle of Wight. Picture by Robin Crossley.
TROUBLED Cowes Enterprise College has appointed an interim headteacher to take the helm until the end of the year.
Christine Hardman comes to Cowes from the 858 student Hagley Park Academy in Rugeley, Staffordshire.
She will start after the Easter holiday and will see the school through its projected, and much delayed, move into its new £32 million building.
Ms Hardman is also charged with heading the academic and organisational rebuilding process to take the school out of special measures.
It was placed there earlier this year by school inspector Ofsted which branded the quality of teaching, leadership and the achievement of pupils "inadequate."
Principal Jonathan Russell resigned just weeks after the inspection in November and was replaced by interim principal James Stewart, previously an assistant headteacher.
While in special measures, the college will be monitored by Ofsted and will only come out when deemed to have improved.
Chair of governors Alan Wells said: "Christine comes to us from Staffordshire having been headteacher and previously a head and executive headteacher. She has a wealth of experience.
"James Stewart and the governors are looking forward to Christine taking the helm and leading the rebuilding process.
"These are tough times but we are confident that we will come out of this as a strong college."
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk