'Super-Head' steps in to turn school around

TdaNews Direct
Published: 31 August, 2007

A 'Super-Head' has been chosen to turn around a school in Salisbury because of his proven track record during a fast-track, high flying career, the Guardian reports.

Trevor Averre-Beeson, 47, has been described by Ofsted as "a visionary and transformational leader" who "communicates his vision very effectively to staff, pupils and parents".

Half the pupils at his new school, Salisbury Comprehensive, have free school meals and 40 per cent speak English as a second language.

The local authority fears that it will return to special measures and Mr Averre-Beeson has been appointed to stop this from happening.

A private company has taken over management of the school and believes that Mr Averre-Beeson, who was already employed as a consultant, is the best head money can buy.

He told the paper about his rapid progression in teaching: "I'd only been in teaching two years when I was promoted to head of year. I was leaping forward about eight or nine years in my career."

He then got the headship of a school in Ilford, east London, at the age of 35.

Part of Mr Averre-Beeson's approach revolves around what he terms "positive discipline", which involves establishing specific rules for pupils in different contexts, such as community rules as opposed to classroom behavioural rules.

He has enjoyed success through applying these disciplinary methods with a combination of rewards and punishments.

Having successfully run three schools in deprived areas and inspired teachers to rally behind him, hopes are high that he will do the same for Salisbury Comprehensive.