Senior appointments at Heathfield Primary School

Heathfield Primary School in Darlington, part of the Heathfield Academy Trust, has made two strategic appointments to bolster its senior leadership team.

Rebecca Pavey has been appointed as executive head, while Helen Tarokh has taken the reins as head of school; strengthening Heathfield Primary School’s leadership team which is further boosted by the wider support of the multi-academy trust (MAT).

With 20 years’ experience in the education sector including as former headteacher at Wheatley Hill Primary School in County Durham, Mrs Pavey will have a dual remit which extends to Mount Pleasant Primary School where she has been headteacher for the past year.

She commented: “I’m looking forward to taking a more strategic role and supporting both schools in developing their standards.”

Speaking of the benefits of being a part of a multi-academy trust, she added:

“The Heathfield Academy Trust is uniquely placed to support pupils with a wide range of needs as each of the schools benefits from its own specialist provision and it’s this joint expertise that really sets us apart and enables us to provide support to pupils where it is needed most.

“There are distinct benefits to being part of a MAT as all of the heads get to work together collectively, which is extremely beneficial both personally and professionally and in-turn impacts positively on standards.”

Helen Tarokh boasts 22 years’ experience in the education sector in total.  She has recently returned to the North East to take up the role at Heathfield Primary School having spent the past 14 years working in senior leadership roles within schools in the Leicester area.  During the past five years as headteacher she played a key role achieving Good Ofsted status for a school previously on special measures which she says was a ‘big achievement’.

 

She said: “Heathfield Primary School has lots of potential, a great staff team and fantastic pupils; with plenty of hard work and determination I’m confident that we can make the journey to Outstanding.  My first priority as head is continuing to raise standards across the board, ensuring consistency.

“Being part of a MAT means that there’s an opportunity to work closely with the other heads and share best practice which ensures the best outcomes for all.”

Heathfield Academy Trust currently comprises five schools in the Darlington area – Heathfield Primary School, Hurworth Primary School, Northwood Primary School and since October 01, Corporation Road Primary School and Mount Pleasant Primary School.  Within the MAT children are supported, educationally, socially and practically, to achieve their potential in both education and life.

Nick Blackburn, chief executive of the Heathfield Academy Trust, said: “It’s a very exciting time for the Heathfield Academy Trust.  I am delighted to have both Rebecca and Helen on board at Heathfield Primary, they are set to give the school a huge injection of very experienced leadership and a fresh perspective.  They both have a very strong-track record in the education sector and are excited about the challenge and determined to drive progress at the school.”

For more information about Heathfield Academy Trust visit www.heathfieldacademytrust.com