Education leader joins Vickerstown School

An experienced education leader will take the helm at Vickerstown Primary School and Brambles Nursery bringing more than 25 years of expertise, energy and vision to the role.

Caroline Vernon will take up the position of Executive Headteacher after the Easter break, having previously worked with the school in an advisory capacity to support school improvement. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the school community as it continues its journey of growth and development.

Caroline has spent more than two decades in education, including successful headships, before moving into education consultancy and school improvement work across the region. Despite stepping away from full-time leadership, she said the opportunity to return to the classroom at Vickerstown was simply too special to turn down.

“I have been working with Vickerstown staff on school improvement in an advisory capacity, but I can see there is so much that we can achieve for the pupils with me being there permanently,” she said.

“I thought I had retired from teaching, but Vickerstown is such an amazing place with so much potential that I just want to be able to work with staff and pupils there and help shape its success.

“The dedication of the team and the enthusiasm of the children make this a school where great things can happen and I’m incredibly excited to be part of that journey.”

Caroline is no stranger to Walney, having started her teaching career at North Walney Primary School, and she has long been committed to improving opportunities for young people locally. In 2011 she founded the Furness Education and Skills Partnership, a charity created to give young people aspirational opportunities to work with employers and develop valuable employability skills.

Welcoming her appointment, Acting CEO of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust Steve Jefferson said he was delighted to have Caroline on the leadership team.

“Caroline already knows the school well and shares our ambition to provide the very best education for every pupil. Her experience, energy and commitment will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the school and build on the positive work already taking place. We would like to thank Mick Cull for his dedication, professionalism and leadership since the start of term as he returns to Ormsgill Primary School full time.”

Chair of Governors Jenny Crellin said the governing body was pleased to secure such an experienced leader for the school.

“Caroline has a strong track record of success and her passion for improving outcomes for children is clear to everyone who works with her.”

“She has built strong relationships with staff and pupils and governors are confident that her leadership will help Vickerstown Primary School and Brambles Nursery continue on the path to success.”

She will be supported in her role by Deputy Headteacher Fern Hayes and the school’s senior leadership team.

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