Principal of Kenton School resigns for 'personal reasons' after less than a month in the job

The principal of a secondary school in Newcastle has resigned after less than a month in the job.

Jason Holt was announced as the new principal of Kenton School last month. Newcastle City Council said he would take up the role at the beginning of 2023.

At the same time, Lee Kirtley was promoted to CEO of Northern Leaders Trust (NLT) which runs the school in Kenton and Studio West, a specialist Studio School in West Denton. He joined as executive principal and had responsibility for overseeing improvements across both academies.

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NLT has now announced that Mr Holt has resigned from the role. They said the experienced teacher has left for "personal reasons" and has been replaced by Moira Green.

A spokesperson for NLT told Chronicle Live: "Following the resignation of the Principal of Kenton School for personal reasons, Northern Leaders Trust has asked Moira Green to take on the role on an interim basis.

"Moira is currently Executive Principal within the Trust, so this will ensure a smooth transition to new leadership arrangements. Moira, along with the Chief Executive Officer Lee Kirtley, the school leadership team and staff, will continue to focus on delivering our vision of students at the centre of all we do."

Mr Holt is a English and literacy specialist, a senior leader and education adviser. He previously led and supported school improvement in 22 schools across the country. Last month, he said he was "delighted" to be joining the trust at such a pivotal time in its development.

He said: "I come well-equipped to continue the good work that has already begun following my last two years as an education adviser for a large multi academy trust where I have guided four schools out of special measures and helped a further four on their journey from 'requires improvement' to 'good' Ofsted judgments.

"A quality education has the power to break down barriers. Great teaching can genuinely provide young people with the means to radically improve their lives, and this is my commitment to all Kenton students."

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