THE principal of Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College has stepped down suddenly.

James Povoas finished his last day in the role on Friday after deciding to leave his post for personal reasons.

He said: “Due to personal circumstances, I have made the difficult decision to step down as principal of the Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College.

“I have thoroughly loved my time at The Ridgeway. It has been a pleasure and honour to serve and be part of the journey the school has gone on since I joined it in 2007. 

“The Ridgeway family, the staff, the students and wider community, have been a huge part of my life. Together we have inspired learners for their future.”

Mr Povoas has been in the top job at the Swindon secondary school since 2016. 

Between 2014 and 2016, he looked after the day-to-day running of the school as associate headteacher while his predecessor Steven Colledge took on other roles.

Before that, he was Ridgeway’s deputy headteacher for several years.

The White Horse Federation manages the Wroughton school along with many others around Swindon and Wiltshire.

The federation’s director of secondary eduction Christopher Belli will take over Mr Povoas’ responsibilities and step into the role of principal this week.

Mr Belli said:“As the principal I will work with the staff, families, governors and the wider White Horse Federation family to build upon previous successes and continue making progress for the students. 

“My aim is simple – I want Ridgeway School to provide an unparalleled education for the students and for it to be the heartbeat of the community which it serves. 

“There are so many things to be proud of and celebrate within the school community, and as the principal I will leave no stone unturned as we pursue the best possible education for our children.”

A White Horse Federation spokesman said Mr Belli has both the experience and knowledge to lead the Ridgeway school and continue the progress it has made in recent years.

In March, Ridgeway School celebrated a positive inspection from Ofsted in which inspectors suggested the school could be judged outstanding if they are just as impressed when they return to carry out a full inspection within the next two years.

At the time, Mr Povoas credited inspiring teachers, hardworking students and a well thought-out curriculum devised by school leaders.

Despite pandemic-related problems, one fifth of A-level grades were A or A*, one pupil gained the top grade of 9 in all 10 GCSEs and three classmates attained nine 9 grades each.