Headteacher of Hove Park School quits

The head of Hove Park School has resigned to take up a senior position at an academy trust in Kent.

The departure of Derek Trimmer, who will step down at Easter, comes less than a year after a campaign against proposals to convert the school into an academy.

Mr Trimmer is leaving to become executive head for secondary provision for Swale Academies, an academy trust consisting of four secondary and four primary academies in Kent.

He said: 'I have had a tremendously exciting and rewarding four years here at Hove Park that has seen the school go from strength to strength.'

Austen Hindman, the senior deputy headteacher, will take over as acting head from the start of next term.

Mr Hindman and Mr Trimmer joined the school together in April 2011. At the time, the school was one of the lowest-performing schools in Brighton and Hove. It is now one of the most improved schools in the country and a leader in using new technology in the classroom.

Mr Hindman, who was was praised in a 2013 Ofsted report for his leadership of teaching and learning within the school, said: 'We have a wonderful community here and I am looking forward to another set of record results this summer.'

Mike Nicholls, the chair of governors, said: 'One part of Derek's legacy at Hove Park is distributed leadership.

'The school has excellent staff and a common purpose, which is to raise attainment for all pupils, regardless of background.'