Eastlea Community School’s new principal has vowed to make it outstanding once he takes over in Spetember.
Stephen Gillatt will take over from retiring Chinye Jibunoh at the beginning of the next school year, and has vowed to build on her success.
Currently deputy headteacher at Forest Gate Community School, he said that staff development, raising attainment and creating a culture of aspiration among students will be his top priority once he arrives at the Pretoria Road, Canning Town school.
He also said a commitment to inclusivity and community was at the centre of his vision for the school, which is currently rated as good by Ofsted.
Mr Gillatt said: “This will be an outstanding school. When that will happen depends on an inspection by Ofsted but I am confident that it is achievable.
“I have one ambition at this school when I arrive and that is to make it among the very best in the country.”
He added: “Some would say that is overly ambitious but they said the same was said about Forest Gate Community and the school is now ranked 14th best in the country.
“We challenged our students to believe that there was nothing they could not achieve, that anything for them was possible.
“They now have the confidence and belief that you would normally associate with privately educated pupils, that nothing is out of their reach or unattainable.
“That level of aspiration and expectation is what we will instil in the pupils at this school.
Mr Gillatt, who has spent 19 years as a teacher in Newham, also thanked his predecessor Ms Jibunoh for laying the foundations for future success.
He added: “It will be a real privilege to lead this school. I am taking over from an extremely good head who has laid the foundations for future success.
“Working with the existing skilled, professional and dedicated teachers, as well as highly driven senior and middle leaders, we will continue to take this school forward.
“My focus on staff personal development and raising attainment for pupils is made all the more achievable by the excellent staff and leadership of Ms Jibunoh.”
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