Hanham Woods Academy Update – End of Term 5

Dear parents and carers,

I am writing today with an important update regarding the leadership arrangements for Hanham Woods Academy for the remainder of this school year.

As you know, Principal Steve O’Callaghan has been unwell and has therefore been away from school during the current term. During this time, Hanham Woods has been supported by a number of senior leaders from within its parent trust Cabot Learning Federation (CLF). This has helped to ensure school activity has run smoothly in Mr O’Callaghan’s absence, and that there has been no disruption to the learning routines for our students.

It now seems likely that Mr O’Callaghan’s absence will extend into – and probably throughout – Term 6. While we all wish him well for a speedy recovery, it has led us to look within our trust for an experienced school leader to take charge at Hanham Woods for the remainder of the school year.

I can now confirm that Mr Chris Ballard will act as Principal at Hanham Woods for Term 6. Mr Ballard is a highly experienced educator, who has worked within the CLF for 16 years, and held the position of Principal at Digitech Studio School since 2022. He will already be a familiar face to many parents and students, as he has been onsite regularly in a support capacity throughout Term 5 alongside Katherine Ogden.

I am confident Mr Ballard will continue to ensure that day-to-day learning for students will continue successfully until the summer break. We then hope and expect to see Mr O’Callaghan well again and back for the start of the new school year in September, though we will of course update you further should that timescale change.

Do please reach out to me through the usual school channels if you have any questions. Otherwise, I would like to wish your family an enjoyable half term break, and we look forward to welcoming your children back to school in June.

Thank you for your continued support for Hanham Woods Academy.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Searle, Education Director                            Katherine Ogden, Senior Principal