Dear Parents and Carers,

I am delighted to inform you that Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust has appointed Mr Michael Burns as the permanent Headteacher of St Patrick’s Catholic College, Thornaby. This appointment is highly significant in many ways. As a Trust, we are committed to St Patrick’s Catholic College and we have worked tirelessly to secure the services of a Catholic school leader with a proven track record who is relentless in their pursuit of the highest standards. I am convinced that this experience and his many personal qualities will ensure St Patrick’s Catholic College reinstates itself as a centre of educational excellence.

Mr Burns brings extensive and proven school leadership experience. He is currently the Headteacher of Red House Academy in Sunderland. Under his stewardship, Red House has undergone significant and rapid positive change. Michael has led the school through a period of marked improvement in the academic progress and attainment of students. Attendance has improved dramatically and now sits at the national average. The behaviour of students has been transformed through his determination to enhance opportunities for all.

As an ex-student of both St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School and St Patrick’s Catholic College Thornaby, Michael is acutely aware of the community and the significant challenges our young people deal with daily. Equally, he has proven throughout his school leadership career that he believes barriers to success can and must be removed for every child.

As part of the selection process, Mr Burns had panels with students, teachers and senior leaders at the College as well as the Board of Directors of the Trust, the current Chair of Governors and Executive Headteacher of Christ the King and St Patrick’s Primary School, Mr Mark Ryan. The feedback from everyone involved was unanimously positive.

I will be in touch next week to set out a schedule for all parents to meet Mr Burns which will give you the opportunity to welcome Michael back to St Patrick’s Catholic College this time as Headteacher.

Regards
Hugh Hegarty
CEO