New Principal for the Academy in Darwen announced

Rod Aldridge, Sponsor of the Academy to replace Darwen Moorland High School in September 2008, today confirmed his commitment to making the Academy happen by announcing the appointment of the new Principal, Brendan Loughran.

Mr Aldridge said: “I am committed – and so are the DfES and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – to making the Academy happen in Darwen".

We are pleased to announce that jointly we have completed the recruitment of a top class Headteacher who will be the Principal of the Academy when it opens in September 2008. That person will be Brendan Loughran, who has been head teacher at Westhoughton High School and Technology College in Bolton since 2002. We are delighted that Brendan will head up the Academy as he has a record of success and an inspiring vision of how the new Academy can be developed to deliver a first class education for the children of Darwen.

We are planning to open the Academy in the existing buildings of Darwen Moorland High School in September 2008 while the building of the new Academy is completed – likely to be the Spring or early Summer of 2009. Brendan starts work in January and can help us to plan the opening of the new Academy, to develop the curriculum and pastoral policies and to ensure a smooth transition for the students and staff of the existing school to the new Academy. There is a tremendous amount to do but we are keen to get on with the work of transforming the life chances of the children of Darwen.”

The DfES are meeting the costs of his salary by a grant until Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council complete the acquisition of the site with Compulsory Purchase Orders. Once these are confirmed the Secretary of State will be able to sign the Funding Agreement which will guarantee finally that the Academy can go ahead. Councillor Maureen Bateson Executive Member for Children's Services said: "The appointment of a Principal for the Academy is excellent news and brings the vision of opening an Academy in Darwen one step closer. The development of the Academy is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference for young people, families and the community in Darwen by further building on the Borough’s regeneration investment plans in Darwen and ensuring that the community have access to excellent learning opportunities and extended services."

The Academy will have a specialism of entrepreneurship and it is intended that the academy will become a flagship centre for teaching entrepreneurship. Brendan Loughran has a good record in his current school of developing links with businesses. He knows the Blackburn with Darwen area and recognises the potential that the Darwen Academy will bring to the town and the local area. “I am delighted to be appointed as Principal of the Darwen Academy. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a flagship academy not only for Blackburn with Darwen but as part of the national academies programme.”

There was more good news for the Academy on the 19th October when, following outline planning approval of the Academy in principle in December 2005, detailed permission was granted by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.