A teacher rated as inspirational by students is to be the next principal of Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA).
Mark Poston, currently vice-principal of Miltoncross Academy, in Portsmouth, has been appointed as the PACA’s next head.
He will succeed Katie Scott, who is leaving to take over as head teacher of Langley Park School for Girls in London from September.
Mr Poston, 49, is a qualified science teacher with a PhD in comparative studies in science education.
He spent 10 years with the Department for International Development, working in Kosovo, Jerusalem and Islamabad, before focusing on teaching roles in London, West Sussex and Portsmouth.
In his current school, which is rated good by Ofsted, his role has included leading the maths, English, technology and computer science/ICT departments. He has also been responsible for quality assurance and teaching maths.
Last year the school’s students voted him their “inspirational teacher of the year”.
PACA’s chair of governors Rosalind Turner said: “I am delighted that we have found an excellent replacement in Mark Poston for our current principal, Katie Scott, who has achieved so much in her three years at PACA.
“Mark comes with an excellent reputation as an experienced senior leader in education.
“He is committed to ensuring that all children can both enjoy and achieve in their time at the academy.
“His considerable track record in leading teams in international aid and development will bring a special perspective to unlocking the potential of all our students at PACA.
“We look forward to welcoming Mark to the school and the wider education community in Brighton and Hove.”
Mr Poston said: “Every child deserves an outstanding school experience where they are safe, where they love learning, where they can discover their passions and develop their wider skills and where, above all else, they succeed.
“Great schools have an outstanding culture of aspiration, fascination, energy and enthusiasm, a culture which is owned by every member of the school community.
“That is my vision for PACA and I look forward to working with our staff, students, parents, governors and Aldridge Education to continue PACA’s journey to outstanding.”
What exactly does “inspirational” mean?
Let us hope that it is not akin to those happy-clappy scenes in Dead Poets’ Society where pupils stand upon their chairs, arms above their heads.
I shudder to remember seeing this at a cinema, when a mother did likewise at the end of the movie – to her child’s great embarrassment as the light went up.
They stood on their desks, with their arms by their sides. Are you sure you’re not thinking of Finding Nemo?
Dear Mr Hawtree, The new head is an excellent choice and you should be congratulating the school on their appointment of this highly educated and professional educator . Have you, Mr Hawtree, got the academic, professional, life skills and experience anywhere near matching those of Dr Poston. I would urge you to recognise excellence when you see it, as well as be pleased that people like Dr Mark Poston daily commit themselves to delivering an education that is relevant, informed and highly professional.