A NEW executive principal has been appointed at a Cradley Heath academy.

Current principal of Ormiston Forge Academy, Andrew Burns, has been promoted into the new role.

He will also take on the job as executive principal at Tenbury High Ormiston Academy, in Tenbury Wells.

The academies are part of the Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), a charity that sponsors 36 primary and secondary schools in England.

Mr Burns said: “I am excited to take up this new role, which will allow me to continue to work with the fantastic team at Ormiston Forge Academy supporting them to further raise standards and improve outcomes for students.”

Andrew will work across both academies alongside OAT's regional director west Robert Pritchard.

Mr Pritchard said: “We are delighted to announce Andrew’s new role as executive principal.

“Since he joined OAT as principal of Ormiston Forge in 2012, the academy has been on a significant journey of improvement and Andrew has played a huge part in driving this.

“Andrew’s passion and enthusiasm for school improvement and ensuring that all students fulfil their potential, regardless of their background or starting point, has helped to inspire students and staff alike.”

Ormiston Forge, formerly Heathfield High School, converted to an academy in 2012.