Academy Principal Update

Dear Parents / Carers,

Following a period of absence from the Academy I wanted to update you on my situation.

Firstly, thank you to so many of you who have reached out to wish me well. This has been well received and has helped me to gain some perspective and support my recovery from a period of ill health.

I am writing to you today to share that I have made the difficult decision to step away from my role as Principal of Hanham Woods. Instead, I will be taking up a new challenge as part of the leadership team at Lime Hills Academy in North Somerset, stepping into the specialist sector for the first time. This has been a really difficult decision to make, but ultimately one that is in the best interest of my health and wellbeing.

It has been a privilege to lead this Academy, and I have made memories that will last a lifetime. From helping the Academy out of special measures, to navigating Covid and then achieving the Academy’s best every outcome two years in a row – in a short space of time, we have achieved a lot together. Your support, challenge and feedback has been instrumental in this improvement, and I want you to know how much I have appreciated this.

I will miss the Hanham community, colleagues and most importantly the wonderful students who have been truly inspiring during my 7 years at Hanham Woods. As the Academy enters a new chapter; it will take everyone working together to ensure a bright future so that students have the best chance of success.

Thank you again for all of your support and I wish you the very best for the future.

Dream BIG // Work Hard // Be Kind

Mr O’Callaghan | Academy Principal