We are delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Cooper who will be taking on the role as Headteacher at Westcliff High School for Girls and South East Essex Academy Trust Chief Executive Officer with effect from the 1st September. This follows a thorough two - day candidate assessment process last week – thank you to those of you who were involved in this. 

Andrew has 30 years’ teaching and leadership experience in a wide variety of schools. This includes experience in three Grammar Schools, including as Deputy Headteacher at Beaconsfield High School for Girls and Headteacher at The Royal Latin School, both in Buckinghamshire. 

Born in Greater Manchester, Andrew attended Hyde Grammar School for Boys after passing the 11+. He studied History at Lancaster University and subsequently achieved an MA (Distinction) in Education.  

Andrew has a strong track record of sustained success and raising standards across organisations of varying size and complexity: as a Headteacher, he successfully led three schools, including leading The Royal Latin School to an outstanding Ofsted judgement. For the past seven years, Andrew has been a CEO leading groups of primary and secondary schools, with provision ranging from nursery to sixth form. In his current role, he has overseen rapid improvements at Essa Foundation Academies Trust: Essa Primary Academy was judged good with an outstanding EYFS, a significant improvement on the position he inherited. Until recently, Andrew was an Ofsted inspector alongside his school leadership roles. 

Given Dr Hayman’s outstanding achievements and commitment over the last 17 years, as a Headteacher and subsequently also as Chief Executive Officer, we know that he will ensure a full and smooth transition as can be achieved for his successor, notwithstanding these continuing challenging times.