THE NEW principal of Great Western Academy says he is committed to the new vision for education the school will bring when it opens next year.

Graham Davis will join the school, based in Tadpole Farm, in September 2017 from Trinity School, Newbury where he has been deputy headteacher for the last five years.

Construction on the academy has begun and is expected to complete in June 2018 with the first students welcomed in September 2018.

The New College sponsored academy will take on approximately 250 students in years seven and 12 in its first year, coming up to full capacity in the next five years.

Graham, who has been in education for 25 years, said he was looking forward to taking on his first headship.

He said: “I think what attracted me to this was the fact that it is a brand new school, an amazing new site and a new vision for education.

“I think it will be a real asset to the North Swindon community and the building will look phenomenal when it is done. I am very excited for the challenge ahead and looking forward to welcoming the first students next year."

The first year of Graham’s new role will involve appointing new staff, overseeing the build and developing the methods that will help build the vision for the school. This will be Graham’s second role in area, previously he was head of maths at the Ridgeway School, Wroughton.

Graham said the academy would soon make its mark on the town education scene.

He said: “What will make us stand out is the high quality, including the standard of the curriculum, what we’re actually teaching the students and the quality of the teaching staff.

“I think people will be very impressed by the new school. We want to make a name for ourselves in Swindon. I have visited the site and I am already very impressed.”

The school will also have a key focus on instilling entrepreneurial values.

Graham said: “I think it’s important for students, right from year seven, to know they can achieve anything if they set their mind to something. It teaches them independence and to have confidence

Mary Martin, chair of governors, said: “We are thrilled to have appointed such a high-calibre candidate to be our new principal.

"It was a tough and challenging interview process but Graham impressed the entire interview panel with his vision and approach.

"He brings a wealth of experience in both teaching and management to this new and exciting role.”

If you are a parent interested in the school visit www.gwacademy.co.uk