Former deputy head Yvonne Williams has stepped up to lead the school through its final year, with Boundstone set to become an academy in September next year.

Ms Williams has been teaching for 23 years, and will fill the role of acting head until the end of the school year, when a new principal for the academy will be appointed.

The 49-year-old told the Herald: "It is a really exciting time to hold this position, mainly because I am leading a body of staff which is confident and buoyant after this year's results."

Best-ever GCSEs

Boundstone's pupils achieved the school's best-ever GCSE results this year – results which Ms Williams said had given everyone at the school a lift.

"There is a nice atmosphere in the school, there really is," she said.

"We are on a high because of the results.

"That 40 per cent of students achieving five A* to C grades at GCSE-level was proving such a challenge.

"To smash through it was a great feeling. Things are looking good."

Improving standards

Her main priority for the year was the 1,200 students at Boundstone, added Ms Williams, and she said she was committed to improving standards, as well as opening up enrichment opportunities outside of the classroom.

She admitted that, despite recent successes, there were still improvements to be made in both GCSE results and unauthorised absence at the school.

"We have got a few difficult hills to climb as well," said Ms Williams.

"We have got to improve the number of students achieving five A* to Cs, including maths and English, at GCSE."

Praise for former head

Not so long ago, the authorities put Boundstone into special measures.

The school has since left those days far behind, due to its ever-improving results, and Ms Williams said a debt of thanks was owed to former head Richard Evea, who left the school earlier this year.

"It has been an exhausting but fulfilling climb from special measures," she said.

"I want to pay tribute to Richard for leading us to this point and I am committed to continuing that transformation, supported by a strong leadership team."

Changes in Adur

Ms Williams added the changes already brought about by the reorganisation of Adur's first and middle schools into primary schools had gone well.

The school will reopen in September, 2009, as a Woodard Schools academy on the same site, which will later be transformed, complete with brand-new buildings.

"One of my jobs is to make sure it is a smooth and happy transition for all the pupils and staff," said Ms Williams, adding she was relishing her new role.

"I think the future for young people in Lancing and Sompting looks good and I am honoured to play my part in that."

-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Lancing news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: letters@shorehamherald.co.uk