New head for creative Staffordshire school

@TheHartSchool is moving into a new era of leadership with the revelation of a new principal set to take over at the helm 

Chris Keen has been principal of the Rugeley school since 2014 overseeing huge changes, including its merger onto one site in Penkridge Bank Road and significant investment into improving facilities.

Vice Principal Rachael Sandham will become the new principal from September and is “incredibly proud” to be taking The Hart School into the “next era of its exciting history”.

Mission to deliver life-changing education to continue

Miss Sandham, who most recently led the high school’s PPE campaign raising over £20k to make 26k face shields for NHS and frontline workers, said: “I’m extremely passionate about providing the best possible learning opportunities and experiences for all students, irrespective of their strengths, challenges and needs.

“Every single person has the right to a good education because as well as changing lives, education creates opportunities and makes our world a better place to live and work in.”

Miss Sandham, who has been at the school for 16 years, added: “I’m absolutely convinced that the key to pupil success is raising aspirations and expectations by positively rewarding students for their achievements and building their confidence up, through knowledge, belief and self-esteem.”

Mr Keen, who is moving on to be head of another Creative Education Trust school, said: “I know I’m leaving The Hart School in fabulous hands with Rachael Sandham who will ensure that it continues to flourish as an innovative school at the heart of the community.”