The David Nieper Education Trust has appointed a new Headteacher at the Alfreton Grange School. The Trust launched a national search to identify the very best of British teaching talent and after a rigorous selection, Kathryn Hobbs, originally from Derbyshire proved to be the outstanding candidate. She will take up the post formally from September, the start of the new academic year.

Kathryn brings enormous experience from an extensive career in senior positions at many excellent UK schools including Head of Curriculum Research at United Learning with 27 schools across England focusing on school improvement and staff development.

Originally from Derbyshire she was educated at Matthew Holland Comprehensive in Selston, before gaining a joint honours degree in Music and Sociology at Keele University alongside her teacher training.

Kathryn is currently Senior Deputy Head at The Royal Alexandra and Albert School with over 1000 pupils in Reigate, Surrey and is an Ofsted Inspector at both Primary and Secondary school levels.

Alfreton Grange is currently undergoing academisation under the sponsorship of the David Nieper Education Trust, with the intention of quickly becoming the very best school in the area. Its pupils will enjoy a brand new school building, a privileged connection with local employers and a career enriched curriculum intended to lead to jobs, apprenticeships or a head-start in further education at college or University. This is the first Derbyshire School to be backed by a local employer.

Christopher Nieper, Chair of Trustees, The David Nieper Education Trust commented:

“It’s a great privilege to appoint Kathryn Hobbs and I know Alfreton is lucky to have found her.

Kathryn shares our vision and determination to make Alfreton Grange a school of which the whole community can be proud, with superb facilities and educational opportunities offering students the best possible future.”

Kathryn commented:

“I’m delighted to be returning to Derbyshire and keen to be instrumental in the future success of the school. This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining Alfreton Grange, it is a brand new start for the school and we are committed to building a first class team to deliver the highest quality of education for the students. I very much look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead.”