Shaun, who has been at Brooke Weston Academy for 11 years, will be stepping up to the role in May when current Principal Pete Kirkbride leaves on promotion.

Shaun has enjoyed a variety of roles working his way up rapidly from IT teacher to Senior Vice Principal. He has had responsibility for many areas of school life including data, outcomes, safeguarding, curriculum and timetabling.

He is currently completing his NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) through the Brooke Weston Teaching School Alliance and has worked with other Trust schools, including Corby Technical School on its data infrastructure and Thomas Clarkson Academy, where he served as a Governor.

Shaun, who is from South Africa, is excited about his new role and working alongside CEO, Dr Andrew Campbell, Trust Secondary Executive Principal, Anne Hill and the other Trust Principals. Brooke Weston Academy has been his first and only UK school and he admires its ethos, values and drive for success.

He said: ‘I didn’t expect to find such a passion for Brooke Weston Academy. I live and breathe its standards, ethos and high expectations of staff and students. Every member of teaching and support staff puts in 100% every single day encouraging our students to achieve at very high levels. We are privileged to work in an amazing professional climate.

‘I am a calm and assertive leader with high standards and expectations for our school community. I lead by example and will make the right decisions to ensure the school remains successful.

‘I am thrilled by this opportunity and want to continue giving back to the school. It is about supporting and leading the staff, making sure we are heading in the right direction to ensure that it continues to be as successful as ever. I am looking forward to the challenge of taking this ambitious and outstanding school to the next level of its development.’

Trust Secondary Executive Principal Anne Hill said: ‘I look forward to working closely with Shaun to shape and develop his vision for the school. He has the right attitude, skills and knowledge to step into this role and, with the backing and expertise of the Trust, I am confident that Brooke Weston Academy will continue to thrive under his leadership.’

Trust CEO Dr Andrew Campbell said: ‘Shaun is a man whom I hold in the highest regard, and it is very clear how much he is valued and respected by all his colleagues at Brooke Weston Academy. His calm determination, clear vision and absolute commitment to the Academy and its future make him an ideal choice. I and my colleagues will give him all the support and encouragement he needs to make this fast-paced and dynamic role his own.’

To read a profile of Mr Strydom click here.