Pool Academy’s Principal, Claire Meakin, will begin a new adventure at the end of the summer term as Headteacher of Kirkwall Grammar School - in the Orkney Islands.

After four successful years of headship, along with a further eight years as vice principal and head of maths, Miss Meakin is leaving Pool Academy to lead another coastal school.

The school says Miss Meakin will leave a legacy of learning through her excellent leadership; with every student having had the opportunity to ‘dream big’ and become a positive part of their coastal community.

In her 12 years with Pool Academy Miss Meakin has helped to positively transform aspirations and expectations of students, teachers, parents and the community and although she is excited about her next step she is sad to leave too.

She said: “I have absolutely loved working at Pool Academy and I am immensely proud of every individual student and staff member.

“The school has been incredibly lucky to have such strong support from our parents and community partners who have championed us every step of the way.

“I will be keeping in touch with the Pool Academy community as I cannot wait to hear about all their achievements in the future.”

Justin Olosunde, Chair of Pool Academy Trustees, said: “Claire has been an inspirational leader on the school’s journey to outstanding, and we wish her further professional and personal success in her new adventure.

“The academy with our existing strong leadership team looks forward to welcoming a new dynamic forward-thinking principal in the next academic year.”

Professor Tanya Ovenden-Hope, Chair of Pool Academy Members, said: “Claire’s success in being offered the headship of a large 12 -18 secondary school on Orkney demonstrates the effectiveness of her leadership here at Pool Academy.

“The support provided to students, parents and staff throughout the pandemic to enable fantastic blended engagement with learning is testament to her fearlessness in ensuring the best outcomes for all.

“Kirkwall Grammar School have made an excellent appointment. We thank Claire for all she has done for our school and the strong position she leaves us in.’