Headteacher appointed for the new school in Shaftesbury
Katie Charles has been appointed as the Headteacher of Dorset Council’s new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
The new school is taking shape on the former St Mary’s School site in Shaftesbury. It is in a development phase with facilities being created to improve the lives of Dorset children with SEND, and to reduce future costs.
It will open in 2022, with an initially small cohort of children, which will grow to around 280 students over the next five years.
Katie has worked as a professional scientist and most recently in education. She joins Dorset Council from just across the border in Wiltshire, having had experience of both mainstream and special education during her career.
Katie is looking forward to welcoming the student saying: “I can’t wait to see students enjoying their learning at this wonderful site. Our new school is part of a family of amazing special schools in Dorset and I look forward to joining them in providing even more high-quality education provision to meet growing needs.”
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, welcomed the appointment: “I am delighted to welcome Katie to the team.
“We seized the opportunity in April 2021 to create this new SEND school for Dorset and I am proud we’ve come so far in such a short time. These are exciting times for education in Dorset and we are determined to make the county the best place in which to grow up.