New Principal's warm welcome

New Principal Rachel Clarke has thanked children, staff and parents for the warm welcome she has received since taking up her post at the beginning of term.

She moved to Theddlethorpe from Pilgrim Academy in Immingham, also a member of the Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust.

"When I saw the opportunity arise, I was keen to take it," Mrs Clarke said.

"Before I moved to Pilgrim in September 2023, I spent 13 years at Kelsey Primary school in Lincolnshire, firstly as a teacher then as Senior Teacher.

"I wanted to come back into a smaller school with a close-knit community. You can feel that as soon as you walk into Theddlethorpe Academy.

"I've been given such a lovely welcome by the children, staff and parents and carers that I've met so far. I would like to thank everyone for that.

"It has helped reassure me that I have made the right decision."

She follows Mrs Cook as the permanent Principal.

"A lot of hard work was put in by Mrs Cook and colleagues to establish an Ofsted-rated ‘good' school.

"My aim is to work with our school community to build on those excellent foundations.

"We have lots of ideas and plans. I'm looking at more opportunities for parents and families to come into school and engage with us."

One of the first events will be a grandparents' day on the afternoon of Friday 14 February, Mrs Clarke said.

"More details will follow but there will be an opportunity for grandparents and those who look after the children to see their work and hear what they've been learning.

"I established a Parent Teacher Association at Pilgrim and that is something we will look at doing here.

"A lot of parents attended school here themselves and are invested in the school doing well.

"Their views are important and we want to work with them."

LGAT has continued to invest in the school.

"It might be a small school but the Trust has ensured it has excellent facilities," said Mrs Clarke.

"They are going to get better still with plans for a multi-use games area (MUGA) pitch.

"But, while facilities are important, a school is about its children and people who work in it.

"Theddlethorpe has such a caring environment. Everyone is really supportive and looks out for each other.

"I'm looking forward to what we can all achieve together."

She was joined on the school staff at the beginning of January by nursery practitioner Emma Price.

Miss Marrows, EYFS Lead, has shared that: "Miss Price has already settled into our fantastic EYFS team. We are very proud that both our Nursery and Reception classes are at capacity."

If you wish to meet with Mrs Clarke, she can be contacted via enquiries@theddlethorpeacademy.co.uk

Mrs Clarke and Mrs Price with EYFS children Eadie and Leo.

Ava and Eddie with Mrs Clarke.