Academy appoints Principal
Our new academy has appointed its Principal.
Lindsay Holness, a familiar face in education locally, will welcome pupils and their families when Waltham Gateway Academy opens in September.
The school, off Sunningdale in Waltham, will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust.
Mrs Holness visited the site with Chair of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust Philip Bond, Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown and Executive Principal Andrew Clark.
Mr Brown said: “It’s really exciting to see the buildings take shape and great to bring Lindsay to the site to see the progress being made.
“She is a really strong leader who will make a terrific success of her new role.”
He thanked partners North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner Equans for facilitating the visit.
Mr Clark was delighted by the appointment.
“Lindsay was a fantastic candidate,” he said. “She is fully committed, dedicated and invested in the project.
“From where we started two years ago, with the initial plans, to today has been quite a journey.
“Now, we’re looking forward to welcoming the academies’ first children in September.”
Lindsay was Head of School at Cloverfields Primary in Humberston before switching to be Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) at Waltham Leas Primary.
“It is a huge opportunity to be opening a new school and will make a real difference in the local community,” she said.
“I’m excited at the possibilities.”
The mainstream academy will eventually have 210 pupils on roll plus a Resource Specialist Provision (RSP) for 12 children with Social, Emotional, Mental Health needs around communication and interaction. RSP partners include the council and Trauma Informed Schools UK.
Mrs Holness said: “I am trained in the trauma-informed approach and see the value and difference it makes to the children and staff.
“Being able to lead a school that is committed to that approach is amazing.
“The relational approach ensures that we see the child first, building trust and ensuring everyone feels supported. The impact is that everybody is in a regulated place to learn and has an opportunity to achieve their potential.
“If we can get it right in a primary setting, pupils have the chance to go on and do great things when they are older. It gives them the best start in life.”
Mr Bond welcomed an opportunity to see the builds.
“It’s been hard to visualize how big they actually are,” he said. "From a Trust perspective, it has been great to manage a school which started with a proposal on a presentation and will end with them welcoming pupils in September.
“Everything about the schools is new. For example, solar panels on the roof will help ensure they are run in a sustainable fashion.
“I’m just looking forward to seeing them opening and welcoming our children and their families.”
The build project is being managed by the council’s regeneration partners Equans and being built by Hobson & Porter.
Places are available from September for reception-age through to Year 4.
Parents / carers interested in their child or children attending the academy should email enquiries@walthamgatewayacademy.co.uk or go to walthamgatewayacademy.co.uk.
