We wanted to update you on the appointment of a new Principal to Duke’s Aldridge Academy.

As you will be aware, after 14 years as the Principal at Duke’s, Ms Monica Duncan will be retiring at the end of this academic year (summer 2024).  The recruitment process to find Ms Duncan’s replacement has been a very thorough one: the experienced recruitment agency working with us on this contacted more than 450 people about the role, and long list interviewed candidates before recommending a smaller pool of candidates for Aldridge Education to take through to final interviews.

After a highly competitive process, we are pleased to have offered the role to Mr Olu Kubweza, who is currently the Vice Principal at Langdon Academy in East Ham.

We are confident that Mr Kubweza will bring a fantastic mix of experience, skills and commitment to Duke’s. He previously taught at Forest Academy and joined his current school, Langdon Academy in 2016. He has played an instrumental part in the teams that drove significant improvements in both schools, and his proven track record of success means he is dedicated to the highest possible standards and to supporting every learner to achieve their full potential.

Mr Kubweza is also incredibly passionate about the local Tottenham community – he grew up in N17, and in fact completed his teacher training at what was then Northumberland Park, and is now Duke’s.

We want to reassure you that our focus now is on ensuring a smooth transition for our staff and students, and on making sure that the vision and values of Duke’s are retained and nurtured for the future.

Mr Kubweza sent a few words that I wanted to share with you all – he says:

 

“I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as the next Principal of Duke’s Aldridge Academy. Each time I have visited, the unmistakable energy and character of the place has been entirely captivating. Of course, I recognise that student energy, having grown up in N17 and have missed it dearly.

“I am also really looking forward to working with the dedicated and skilled professionals I have already met, and those I have yet to meet. I greatly admire Aldridge Education’s philosophy around levelling the playing field for all, and how they go about achieving it. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to be part of this movement.

“The return to Tottenham, the town that moulded me, is the icing on the cake. I am excited to see what these incredible young people can achieve and even more thrilled to contribute to their journey.”

 

We are sure you will give Mr Kubweza a warm welcome when he formally takes over as Principal in the Autumn.