Welcome to the new Head of School at Acre Hall – Colin Catherall

We are delighted to announce that Colin Catherall has been appointed as the new Head of School at Acre Hall Primary School. Colin took up his headship at the start of the new school year, following the early retirement of Ashlea White who successfully led the school for seven years.

Colin said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as the new Head of School at Acre Hall and I can already see what a fantastic school it is. What also struck me, from the very beginning, is the real family spirit which is evident right the way through the school community.”

A former Assistant Head at Stanley Grove Primary Academy, Colin continued: “It was hard to leave a school that I genuinely love but becoming a Head of School was the next step for me. To be able to do that within the same multi academy trust (MAT) shows a belief from the Trust in progression and investing in its team. Having worked for Bright Futures for over seven years and lived both its’ vision and values it is very clear to me that the Bright Futures values of community, integrity and passion are already embedded at Acre Hall and we will look to build on these foundations.

“With less than 20% of men working as teachers in primaries, I hope to have a positive impact on the children at this young age. I am a strong believer of the saying ‘you never forget a good teacher’ and being in a position knowing that I can help to shape lives and make a difference is imperative to me. I feel strongly about being a positive male role model for children.”

John Stephens, CEO of Bright Futures Educational Trust, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Colin to the headship of Acre Hall. He has a brilliant opportunity to build on the great foundations put down by Ashlea. He brings a wide range of experiences to the role and will make a real difference in the lives of the Acre Hall colleagues, children, families and communities. Being part of Bright Futures means that Colin will be able to draw on the support of colleagues from across the Trust as he embarks on the exciting journey of headship.”