TWO new and highly experienced leaders have been appointed to Nova Hreod Academy. 

They will replace Julie Tridgell who announced in February that she intended to take some time out to refresh after six years at the school.

Mrs Tridgell will leave the school at the end of April and the new leaders, Ben Parnell and Darren Barton, will join on May 1.  They are currently leaders at Glenmoor and Winton academies in Bournemouth, two of Nova’s sister schools within the United Learning group. Both academies are rapidly improving and already the top two performing non-selective schools in Bournemouth.

They will lead the school over the next year, a significant time period in which they will be able to have real impact. Mr Barton, who will become Interim Principal, will be based full time at Nova. He will be supported by Mr Parnell, who will become Interim Executive Principal and be based at Nova for two days per week.   

Ms Pat Porter, Chair of Governors at Nova Hreod Academy, said: “Governors were closely involved in the decision and we voted unanimously in support of these arrangements.  Mr Parnell and Mr Barton are working very closely with Mrs Tridgell to ensure a smooth transition and we are looking forward to a successful summer term at Nova Hreod.

“We wish Mrs Tridgell the very best for the next stage of her career and would like to put on the record our sincere thanks to her for leadership of the school over the past six years.”

Mr Parnell, who will be Interim Executive Principal of Nova Hreod Academy, said: “Mr Barton and I are delighted to be joining Nova Hreod Academy.  We are particularly looking forward to getting to know students, parents and staff and working closely with them to provide the best possible education for local families.”

Mrs Julie Tridgell, Principal of Nova Hreod Academy said: “Although I have been considering taking some time out to refresh for a while, I wanted to wait until the time was right for Nova.  I will be leaving a little earlier than I had originally thought, but now that the school is stable and secure I have decided it is the right time to move on. 

“I am so pleased that two exceptional leaders have been identified to take the school on the next stage of its journey.  I have met Mr Parnell and Mr Barton many times before as they join us from other United Learning academies, and know the school has a very positive future ahead of it.  

“While it is never easy to say goodbye, especially as the past six years at Nova have been so rewarding, I know that everything is set for the school to thrive.”