In January 2017, Chris Tolson joined The Academy at St James as their new headteacher –their fourth headteacher in seven months. At the time, the school was in Special Measures, and Chris decided to join the first cohort of Teach First’s Leading Together programme – a two-year, fully funded programme that develops the whole senior leadership team and creates long-term improvements.
Fast forward five years, and in May 2022, the school achieved an Ofsted rating of Good overall, with an Outstanding in leadership and management. Chris reflects on the school’s journey, their challenges and their achievements.
To read the full article, please visit Changing perceptions: parents now have a school they believe in | Teach First