A new principal has been announced at Castle Newnham School, tasked with leading the school towards “fully integrated all-through provision” by the next academic year.
Mrs Donna Neely-Hayes will take up the role with immediate effect and said she is looking forward to hitting the ground running.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the development of the school, as it consolidates its offering to students in Bedford from Reception to Year 11.
With sites on Goldington Road and Polhill Avenue, the school is working towards creating clearer pathways, stronger collaboration and greater consistency for families with children across different age groups.
The governors and the directors of Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) said that Mrs Neely-Hayes brings with her extensive leadership experience, a strong track record of school improvement, and a deep commitment to ensuring every child thrives both academically and personally.
“A beacon of excellence”
‘What drew me to Castle Newnham and BEST is the unwavering commitment to living by a core set of values every single day,” said Mrs Neely-Hayes.
“In education, your values are your compass; joining a community that prioritises their pupils and people alongside achievement is exactly where I want to be for this next chapter of my career.”
She said that she wants Castle Newnham to become a beacon of excellence, with an education that “knows no limits”.
“We will not just meet standards; we will set them,” she said.
“By fostering an environment of relentless ambition and inclusive support, I intend to empower every child to surpass their own expectations.”
Dr Alan Lee, the Chief Executive Officer of BEST, welcomed the appointment.
“Mrs Neely-Hayes is an exceptional leader, well-respected, with a proven track record of delivering Outstanding education,” he said.
“Since her appointment, I have been inundated by people both within and beyond the educational community telling me how excited they are by the appointment. I share this excitement and am extremely grateful that Mrs Neely-Hayes has chosen Castle Newnham School and BEST.”
