A new headteacher is being sought to lead The Swanage School following the news that the current head, Tristram Hobson is to step down, following ill health. Students were told today that he has decided to capitalise on his current good health by taking early retirement.
The recruitment process to replace him has started with the intention to appoint a new headteacher by Easter. The closing date for applications is Friday 28th February 2020, with interviews in the week commencing 23rd March 2020.
The Swanage School has only been open since 2013, following the government’s policy to get rid of three tiers of education in Dorset and replace it with two. The abolition of the middle school, meant that Purbeck School in Wareham was the nearest secondary school for Swanage students from the age of 11.
Community belief
Due to the strength of community belief that Swanage deserved its own secondary school, and the dogged determination of many individuals, The Swanage School was built in the grounds of the old middle school.
Following the announcement, Paul Angel, who was The Swanage School’s first Chair of Governors and instrumental in the creation of the school said:
“Tristram took a leap of faith when he accepted the post of Head Teacher at The Swanage School, which in June 2012 was a detailed plan but without building or students.
“His seemingly boundless energy and enthusiasm were fundamental as the school moved from vision to reality, and it was Tristram’s wholehearted belief in what we were creating which helped recruit an outstanding team, which in turn delivered outstanding results for the children of Swanage.
“During my time as Chair of Governors we worked closely together and grew to know each other well, and while I’m sad that he is moving on, I am so happy that he is doing so in renewed good health and with a positive outlook for the future.”
Tristram Hobson commented in a letter to parents and published on Facebook:
“It has been an honour and a privilege to have led The Swanage School since it started and it is with sadness that I am leaving. However, I am certain that with the exceptionally professional and hardworking team of staff, the extremely supportive governing body and of course your wonderful children, the school will continue to go from strength to strength.”
