This week Olive Academies was delighted to welcome Mike Piper as the newly appointed headteacher at our alternative provision academy in Suffolk.
Mike joins Olive Academies having worked for the last four years as Head of Academy within the Harris Federation, one of the largest and most successful multi-academy trusts in the country. He brings significant experience of developing inclusive education models which support those students who find learning and school life most challenging. He has worked for a number of the country’s highest performing schools and brings an in-depth understanding of what really makes a difference for children at risk of exclusion. He is passionate about the crucial role schools can play in their community, bringing children and families together and improving lives.
Mike Piper, Headteacher, Olive AP Academy – Suffolk
Mike Piper says, “I am excited about joining the team at Olive AP Academy – Suffolk and want to continue developing a dynamic and exciting curriculum which really engages all our students. For many of the young people who join the academy, it is their last chance to gain the skills and qualifications they will need to lead successful adult lives. We have a duty to deliver the best support possible for all students irrespective of their starting point. I want the academy to be at the heart of our community, to work closely with families and develop further partnerships with the broader community. Working together, can make a huge and positive difference to the lives of local children.”
Mark Vickers, Chief Executive, Olive Academies says, “Our academy in Suffolk has been on a significant journey since it joined our Trust and Mike has the vision and experience to lead the academy on its next phase of development. He shares our Trust’s commitment to deliver outstanding learning opportunities and support for the vulnerable children and young people we work with. Our students will need more support than ever as we begin to understand more about the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic on our academy communities. Mike’s expertise in supporting children and families will be of immense benefit to our Suffolk students and to our network of academies. I am proud of the strong leadership team we have secured for Olive AP Academy – Suffolk.”
Anna Mears, Senior Deputy Headteacher, Olive AP Academy – Suffolk
Mike will also be joined at Olive AP Academy – Suffolk by Senior Deputy Headteacher, Anna Mears. Anna is an experienced school leader and SENDCo, having worked in a range of different provisions including mainstream, an MLD special school and as a headteacher in an SEMH provision. She shares our OA commitment to supporting children and young people in achieving their true potential regardless of their starting point. Mike and Anna will be working closely with Annabel Bates and Gary Haines (the academy’s current leadership team) for the remainder of this academic year to ensure a smooth handover and continuity of care for all our students and their families over the coming months.
Olive AP Academy – Suffolk is based in Stowmarket and has up to 92 pupils on roll at any time. The academy supports pupils aged between 7 and 16 who have been permanently excluded from school or who have complex or medical needs. Find out more about the academy at www.apsuffolk.oliveacademies.org.uk
