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New head for Epping St John's
Posted: 24th June 2019Our growing and improving school is being taken on its journey to “exceptional” by a new leader.
Mike Yerosimou takes on the role of head of school at Epping St John’s Church of England School from September.
Having joined the school in 2006 as a cover supervisor and worked his way through “every job in school”, he is now preparing to take the reins.
He said: “I know this school. I know where we are strong and where we need to improve. I also know how good our staff are. I know the area and our families and they know me.
“This is a lovely school; it’s a diamond that simply needs shining.”
Epping St John’s joined the BMAT family in 2017 when changes were brought in to raise aspirations and improve results, including the introduction of aspirations sessions and relaunch of the sixth form.
From September, the new head said the priority will be teaching and learning and ensuring young people are inspired to be ambitious.
Mr Yerosimou said: “The key is having great teachers in front of children; that is it. We have made sure we are fully staffed from September with great staff.
“We want to be at the heart of the community and so are developing links to ensure that happens. We are the only secondary school in Epping, so we need to be involved in everything. The more we do that, the more pride people will have in the school.
“We know we are not there yet. We want to be open and honest. If there is an issue, we will say we are trying our best to fix it. We will always meet people. Sometimes, the most difficult conversations are the most important.
“We have all the attributes to be an exceptional educational establishment.”
Stephen Hehir, executive headteacher, said: “The appointment of a head of school is a vital one in that it will ensure we have sustainable improvement in the years ahead. Students, parents and carers will have a figurehead every day who will ensure our focus on high expectations, community and our Church of England ethos is relentless and we reach the exceptional.
“Mr Yerosimou has the exact qualities needed to ensure Epping St John’s reaches those goals.”
Interviews have also taken place to boost the leadership team further with the appointment of a deputy headteacher.