A HEADTEACHER credited with the remarkable transformation of a failing Winsford primary school has been unveiled as new Executive Head at Weaverham Primary Academy.

Fiona Whittaker, who is Executive Head at Oak View Academy, has been appointed by North West Academies Trust (NWAT) to spearhead the relaunch of the Northwich Road school.

Weaverham Primary Academy, formerly called University Primary Academy Weaverham, became part of NWAT in November and the appointment of Ms Whittaker will give fresh impetus to the improvement plan already in motion.

Ms Whittaker, who will now oversee the running both of schools, said: “I’ve had a very warm welcome at Weaverham and I’m looking forward to working with the whole school and its community.

“This is an exciting time for us. We are starting the year with a plan for many positive improvements and we are in a strong position improve the learning experience of our pupils and help them to achieve their very best.”

Ms Whittaker has been in charge of Oak View since it became part of NWAT in 2014.

Then, she led its transformation from being ranked the second worst in the country into one of the fastest-improving around, now rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The news comes on the back of celebrations at Oak View sparked by the latest schools’ league table results, which placed them second highest in West Cheshire for progress in writing, and as Winsford’s top performing school for attainment.

Steve Docking, CEO of NWAT, says it is a positive move for Weaverham Primary Academy.

He said: “Ms Whittaker has a proven track record of improving schools and her ambitions are truly inspiring.

“We firmly believe that strength and improvement comes from our schools working together, sharing ideas and implementing best practice.”

Other NWAT schools include Delamere Academy, near Northwich, which is ranked the highest performing primary in West Cheshire in the latest performance tables, and St Martin’s Academy, Chester, which is the most over-subscribed school in the borough.