NIGEL Bielby has been appointed as the new headteacher at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School and Sixth Form College.

Nigel is currently Head of School, and will take over from Denis Oliver in September.

Nigel was appointed yesterday evening (Tuesday) by the Board of Governors at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School and Sixth Form College, who voted unanimously to appoint Nigel as the school’s new headteacher.

Mr Bielby, who has been a member of the senior leadership of the school for over 10 years, has an extensive level of experience in teaching and leadership, and the appointment will be for one year starting on September 1.

Christina Burgess, chairman of governors said: “This is an unprecedented time of uncertainty and turmoil for the school community as we get to grips with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Board of Governors acted swiftly to suspend the current headteacher recruitment process and to ask Nigel Bielby to lead our school over the next academic year.

“We know this appointment will provide stability during a period of change.

“We are delighted that Nigel has accepted the role and we are looking forward to working with him.

“I now urge everyone in our school community to get behind Nigel and his team as we chart a course for the future.”

The headteacher vacancy has come about because of the decision of the current headteacher, Denis Oliver, to retire in the summer after more than 20 years at the helm.

Mr Oliver said: “I’m delighted the board have decided to appoint Nigel to take over from me when I leave the school at the end of August.

“Nigel has worked alongside me for more than half of my time in charge.

“He is highly experienced, tenacious and very committed to our school. I know that Nigel is passionate about making HCCS the best that it can be.

“His experience and inclusive leadership style will help everyone to plan the year ahead in what is a surreal time for all of us.

“Together, we need to ensure the school community comes through this challenge in good shape and continues to do the very best for all of our students.

“Taking this decision now and appointing Nigel is, I believe, in the very best interests of our school.”

Nigel Bielby said: “I’ve loved every minute of working in this school and I’ve learned so much during my time here.

“Working with Denis Oliver and so many talented colleagues has been amazing.

“I’m honoured to have been asked to take over from Denis for the year ahead, and I have accepted the challenge without hesitation.

“Denis is an extremely charismatic and popular leader, whose drive and enthusiasm to see students and staff succeed is quite remarkable.

“I’ll do my very best to continue to push our school on and to repay the trust the Board of Governors and Denis have shown in me at this time.”

Mr Oliver added: “The past weeks since I informed the board of my decision to retire have been some of the most difficult in my career.

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“I have been a teacher for more than 48 years. I can honestly say that it has been an enormously rewarding time and I have dedicated my life to teaching.

“I remain driven by the passion and enthusiasm that children have for learning. I have watched so many children grow and develop into wonderful members of our community.

“I think about some of the wonderfully gifted people I have worked with during my time at this school.

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“It has been so uplifting to see real passion, enthusiasm and skill from so many people around me. I cannot thank everyone enough for sharing this journey with me.

“I know that under Nigel’s leadership, our school will continue to be the beacon of success that we all expect.”

The school and sixth form college remain closed to all but the children of key workers and a small number of staff until further notice, in accordance with instructions from the Department for Education.