Claire Willmott announced as new Headteacher (from September 2024)

Statement from Jonathon Peck, Chief Executive Officer (Maiden Erlegh Trust)

Claire has a wealth of experience that she will bring to the role, enabling her to build on the stable foundations that have been embedded by Ceri Burns and her team. She has demonstrated throughout the recruitment process, alignment with our core values of Aiming High, Being Inclusive and Working Together and a passion to develop the College in the best interests of learners, parents and staff. 

I am delighted, therefore, that Claire Willmott has accepted our offer to lead Cranbury College as its new Headteacher from September 2024 and I look forward to working with her when she takes up the post in September 2024.  

I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of Ceri Burns over the past two years and wish her all the best in her new role at Maiden Erlegh School. 

Statement from Andy Johnson, Executive Director of Education (Maiden Erlegh Trust) 

 We are delighted that Claire Willmott will be the next Headteacher at Cranbury College, moving from her current role of Deputy Headteacher – Outcomes, Curriculum & Standards, and joining our skilled and experienced Headteacher team across the Maiden Erlegh Trust. Throughout the appointment process, Claire has demonstrated passion and drive for leading Cranbury College into the next phase of development and I am confident that the college will continue to strengthen its provision for our young people in the community.  We look forward to Claire’s work starting in earnest from September 2024. 

Statement from Claire Willmott, newly appointed Headteacher (September 2024) 

 It has always been my ambition to lead a Pupil Referral Unit and make a difference for the community who attend it and Cranbury College is a school where our most vulnerable learners can move forwards to great things with the right opportunities. I have been inspired by the transformation of the school under the leadership of Ceri Burns, and I am ready to take over the reins and lead the next phase of progress for Cranbury College.  

As Deputy Head, I have been privileged to be part of the school community. The commitment and ambition of the students and staff to make the school a positive place of learning is evident at every juncture. 

I look forward to continuing to work closely with the other trust schools, parents and the wider community to ensure that all our students have every opportunity to be successful. 

3 June 2024