New headteacher for Brierfield ‘Academy’ school

There is a new headteacher at Pendle’s new Academy Trust School – Walter Street Primary in Brierfield – and she sees a bright future ahead
New head at Walter Street with pupils there. (S)New head at Walter Street with pupils there. (S)
New head at Walter Street with pupils there. (S)

The school has welcomed Mrs Julie Burnside as its new headteacher. She was appointed to the post at the start of this term, ready to start full-time at the school in September.

Walter Street Primary School recently converted to “Academy” status, sponsored by Nelson and Colne College, and will continue to be supported through the Pendle Education trust.

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Nelson and Colne College principal Amanda Melton joined staff and pupils to welcome Mrs Burnside to the school.

After working as a teacher for many years, Mrs Burnside has over 16 years’ experience working as a headteacher, firstly at Cornholme School in Todmorden and, more recently, she was the head at Haslingden Primary School for 12 years.

Mrs Burnside already has experience of seeing a school successful through conversion to a trust school, as Haslingden Primary made the transition three years ago.

She said: “I am thrilled to be joining a school which is clearly at the heart of its local community and pleased that I have been made to feel so welcome.

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“The behaviour and attitudes of the pupils are delightful and are one of the deciding factors in pulling me to the post and I’d really like to be able to demonstrate this to more people and give the school the credit it deserves.

“My priority is to ensure that the school remains a strong part of the local community, and I want to develop the school further to encourage both pupils and their parents to enjoy learning and have high aspirations for achievement.”

A newly-elected Teacher Governor at Walter Street Primary, Mr Paul Bann, said: “We are delighted with the appointment of Mrs Burnside, and her arrival has been warmly welcomed by staff.

“We look forward to working with her and are optimistic about the positive impact she will have on both the pupils and the school in general.”

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And college principal Amanda Melton added: “I am confident that the children of Walter Street Primary Academy will benefit immensely from the appointment of Mrs Burnside as Principal.

“I am particularly pleased that it was spending time with the children and the staff at the school which inspired her to apply for the role.

“It is fantastic that we have been able to secure such an experienced existing headteacher to lead the school, and I am encouraged by the enthusiastic welcome she has received from the staff and children.”

The decision to make Walter Street an Academy Trust School was made by the Government, but the school had not opposed the idea of the change planned.

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