A NEW headteacher has been announced for a Leigh secondary school following the sudden departure of a previous headteacher.

Parents at The Eastwood Academy in Rayleigh Road were informed that former headteacher Neil Houchen had left his role on October 2.

Mr Houchen was headteacher for 12 years and has been replaced by longstanding deputy headteacher David Piercy.

A spokesman for the Eastwood Park Academy Trust (EPAT), said “I can confirm that after Mr. Neil Houchen’s departure an internal recruitment process was completed by the Trustees of Eastwood Park Academy Trust (EPAT), and I am pleased to inform you that our new Acting Principal is Mr. David Piercy. 

“Mr. Piercy has been a long serving member of the Academy’s Senior Leadership Team as Vice Principal and is a practising Ofsted Inspector; he is well placed to lead the academy moving forward.

Echo: Sudden Departure - Neil Houchen resigned to pursue other opportunitiesSudden Departure - Neil Houchen resigned to pursue other opportunities (Image: Eastwood Park Academy Trust)

“All stakeholders have been informed of Mr. Piercy’s appointment and we wish him the very best in leading our academy.

“EPAT look forward to continuing to support The Eastwood Academy and hope to work with and support all schools and pupils in the local community.”

The Trust added in his role as principal, Mr Houchen was ‘instrumental’ in the Eastwood Academy securing an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted inspection in 2018.

Mr Piercy is in an acting position as headteacher of The Eastwood Academy and EPAT will be looking at a further recruitment process in due course.

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The EPAT spokesman added: “Mr. N. Houchen resigned from his position as Principal of The Eastwood Academy to pursue new challenges in the education sector. 

“The Trust have personally thanked Mr. Houchen for his substantial and sustained contribution to both The Eastwood Academy and the Eastwood Park Academy Trust and wish him well in the future.”

Mr Houchen was appointed as headteacher back in 2011 and oversaw the school become part of the Eastwood Park Academy Trust in 2017 as its CEO.

The school has 1,119 pupils on its role. 

As Eastwood Academy CEO, Mr Houchen also oversaw the team at Bournemouth Park Academy to assist the school in securing a ‘good’ Ofsted inspection in 2019.