A new Diocesan Director of Education (DDE) to serve Church of England schools across both Newcastle and Durham dioceses has been appointed.
David Akers, currently headteacher at Ward Jackson Church of England Primary School in Hartlepool, takes up the role in January and will be responsible for 57 schools in Durham Diocese and 49 schools in Newcastle Diocese across ten local authorities.
He succeeds interim DDE Gill Booth who is due to semi-retire at the end of this year.
David has been headteacher at Ward Jackson since 2013 and has held a number of leadership roles in his twenty years of experience in the education sector. He said: “I am delighted to be taking up the role of DDE for the Diocese of Durham and Diocese of Newcastle and feel privileged to have been entrusted with this role. I have been blessed by the time I have spent studying, teaching and leading in a number of our schools and believe that together we can truly make a difference to the lives of children and young people.
“School leaders face so many challenges that at times can feel overwhelming. I would look to build on the work that has been done so effectively in recent years to ensure that schools know they are part of something bigger, they are not alone and have the unwavering support of the Joint Education Team in enabling our children and staff to flourish.
“I am determined to ensure that our schools are equipped to support our children in overcoming the challenges they face each and every day, to help reduce the impact of poverty, to ensure that support for SEN is a priority and that our early years provisions have the resources needed to provide the foundations for living life in all its fullness. Key to this work will be the partnerships we forge together and collaborative work with all stakeholders.”
Bishop Helen-Ann said: “This is an important and exciting appointment and I am delighted that David, who has a wealth of experience in the education sector, is joining us. All our schools are at the heart of God’s mission in our diocese, and our Church of England schools in particular enable the special character of faith to illuminate their local communities. David will lead our aim for them to provide an outstanding education, so that children and young people across our diocese can flourish. In our season of seeking God together, as God seeks us I look forward to how our schools will help us seek God’s kingdom afresh.”
The Bishop of Jarrow and Acting Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Sarah Clark said: “I am thrilled that David has agreed to join us. His leadership will ensure we continue to provide children and young people of all faiths and none with the high-quality education they deserve. Our schools are at the very centre of our mission as a Church, enriching our communities by faithfully serving our children and their families.”
Gill Booth, Interim Diocesan Director of Education, who is semi-retiring at the end of this year, said: “We are delighted to welcome David to the Joint Education Team as the new Director of Education. David brings a great deal of expertise and experience in Church school leadership and I know that our schools will give him a very warm welcome when he takes up his new role in January.”