SIRIUS ACADEMY APPOINTS NEW PRINCIPAL

The sponsors and governors of Sirius Academy have appointed Dr Catherine Taylor PhD to lead the school when it opens at the beginning of the next school year.

It is a return to her roots for Dr Taylor, who was born in Withernsea. She holds both a first degree in Chemistry and a PhD in Microbiology from Hull University. As a trainee teacher, she did her teaching practice at Kingston School, which became Pickering High School and will soon become Sirius Academy. 

Alexandra Henderson, Chair of Sirius Academy Trustee Board, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Cathy Taylor. She impressed us enormously with her passion and enthusiasm for learning and individual student achievement. She is also wholeheartedly committed to engaging the entire community with the Academy.” 

Dr Taylor, 39, is currently head of Peele Community College in Long Sutton, Lincolnshire, where standards of academic achievement have risen significantly under her leadership. Previously, as head of science at The John Spendluffe Technology College, she was instrumental in turning round a science department that was judged to be at ‘serious weakness’. Her achievement led to a consultancy role with the CfBT, advising on national science teaching strategy. 

As principal of Sirius Academy, Dr Taylor’s top priority will be to drive up standards, introducing an innovative curriculum supported by targets for achievement, attendance and behaviour. She said: “I am passionate about providing students with opportunities to enable them to achieve or exceed their individual potential. I believe every child has that right.” 

Development plans for the Academy will create a modern, 21st century learning environment where traditional values are part of the culture. “The sponsors and I agree that this is a very important aspect of the Academy. We will have an inclusive ethos where every student is treated as an individual and where we show respect, honesty and integrity to each other.” 

Dr Taylor will also lead the integration of the Academy with the local community. Her plans include developing partnerships with students, families and local stakeholders, and making Academy facilities available to all after school hours.

 

For further information, please contact:

Mr Lee Probert
Executive Director - Strategic Policy and Organisational Development
Hull College
Queens Gardens
Hull
HU1 3DG
Tel: 01482 598887 (ext. 2138)
LProbert1@hull-college.ac.uk

 

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