The head of academy at Maltings Academy has been promoted, following the resignation of its executive principal.

Emma Baker will take up the position of headteacher in September when John Szynal retires after 33 years in education.

James Forbes, vice principal, has also been promoted to become head of academy at the same time.

Mrs Baker said: “I’m pleased to become headteacher at Maltings and system leader for the trust supporting other Academies Enterprise Trust (AET) academies.

“I will continue to lead Maltings, and am proud that we are appointing James Forbes as the new head of academy.

“Together we will continue to raise standards and I look forward to continuing to work with students, staff and parents.”

Mrs Baker has been head of academy at Maltings since 2015 and is part of the leadership team which saw the improvement from requires improvement to outstanding.

She has also been selected to be one of AET’s new system leaders in recognition of her experience and expertise.

As a system leader, Mrs Baker will be providing support to a small number of other academies in the AET network who are at an earlier stage of improving.

Julian Drinkall, chief executive of AET said: “We are absolutely delighted Emma is being promoted to headteacher at Maltings, she is an exceptional educator and under her leadership we are confident the academy will go from strength to strength.

“John has worked tirelessly at Maltings and New Rickstones and I want to put on record our gratitude for his commitment and dedication to improving education for all young people in the area.”