THE new headteachers for two of the three Blackbird Leys primary schools have been announced.

The three primaries – Pegasus, Windale and Orchard Meadow – are joining forces to form a new academy, sponsored by top independent school the Dragon School, in Bardwell Road, North Oxford.

Pegasus Primary headteacher Jill Hudson has been announced as executive headteacher of the three schools.

Francis Murphy, currently deputy headteacher at Pegasus, will become head of school there, while Donna Roberts, who is working as deputy headteacher at St Andrew’s Primary, Headington, will be head of school for Orchard Meadow. Dianne Carbon, acting headteacher at Windale, will remain as acting head for at least a year, after which a permanent head of school will be sought.

Windale and Orchard Meadow headteachers Maureen Thompson and Chris Price left at the end of December.

Dad-of-three Mr Murphy, 34, came to Pegasus from Manchester as a Year Four teacher in September 2005.

He said: “I think the academy will be a wonderful thing because of the opportunities for both the children to work together and also for staff development.”

Dragon School spokeswoman Jenny Schneider said: “Since Easter, there has been a great deal more detailed work in preparation. The three schools will retain their own identities and all the children will be taught at their current school – but as part of the new academy trust.”

Mrs Hudson said the final member of the leadership team, who would be in charge of finance and operations, was currently being recruited.

She said: “There will be more residential trips, more opportunities to work with children across other schools. For the staff, continuing professional development is going to be so much richer.”

The Blackbird Academy Trust will come into being on August 1. The Dragon will sponsor the school alongside charities Family Links and the Hamilton Trust.

While the Dragon will not put money into the school, it will share teaching expertise and in some cases facilities.

Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member Melinda Tilley said the council was still looking at other independent schools acting as possible sponsors for state schools but could not give out names.

She said: “Other public schools – including Eton – are now doing it, so we were pioneers which I think is great.

“I am really optimistic about it.”

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