Guernsey Press

La Mare High ‘holds a special place in my heart’

A NEW interim principal has been appointed to lead La Mare de Carteret High School for the next two academic years.

Published
Verona Tomlin will be the new interim principal of La Mare de Carteret High School. (28379616)

Verona Tomlin will take on her new role in September. She will succeed Vicky Godley, who will lead St Sampson’s High School from the start of the next academic year.

Mrs Tomlin has worked at La Mare de Carteret for the last eight years and is currently responsible for curriculum, timetabling, data analysis and continued professional development.

‘La Mare de Carteret High School holds a special place in my heart, as it is where I have really learnt how to be an effective senior leader,’ she said.

‘We have a fantastic school community and I am proud to be able to lead it from September. I have received so much support from students, colleagues and parents during my eight years here and I look forward to continuing working with them all.’

The post of interim principal will be in place for two academic years – until July 2022 – while the States determines the future structure of secondary education following the review of various models which is now under way.

The States’ four secondary schools increasingly operate as a single organisation – as directed by the States in 2018 and 2020 – under the overall leadership of executive head teacher Liz Coffey.

Education, Sport & Culture president Matt Fallaize welcomed the move.

‘Verona has been a key figure at La Mare de Carteret and I am sure her appointment will be welcomed by students, staff, parents and carers,’ he said.

‘The school will remain in very good hands from September when Vicky Godley moves to lead St Sampson’s High. I wish Verona every success. This was a very important appointment as we finalise the interim leadership team for the next couple of years, during which time we will complete the review of secondary education models directed by the States and begin transition plans to whichever model the Assembly chooses.’

Ms Coffey said that Ms Tomlin had been progressing well at La Mare.

‘I have had the pleasure of watching Verona develop into an accomplished school leader during her time as deputy head teacher,’ she said.

‘Dedicated and committed, she is ready for this next stage in her career. I am delighted Verona will lead La Mare de Carteret and confident she will make a significant contribution to the leadership of secondary education in the island.’