CONTINUING TO THRIVE
Oakhill School and Nursery, Whalley are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Principal, Jane Buttery, following the retirement of Carmel Crouch at the end of the summer term
Jane Buttery will take over the role as Oakhill Principal in September and brings with her vast experience, having enjoyed a distinguished career in education.
Jane was Deputy Head of Bury Grammar School for 15 years, before taking up her most recent post as a Lead Independent Schools Inspector. As an ISI Lead Inspector, Jane visited schools up and down the country leading teams and writing the overall final report for each school. The ISI report appraises all aspects of a school from teaching to governance, so Jane certainly knows what excellence and outstanding looks like.
Jane has recently completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship, which is a postgraduate qualification designed to support aspiring headteachers in state or independent schools.
Jane describes her time studying for the NPQH as both enjoyable and enlightening, requiring her to undertake placements in some very tough schools but where truly inspirational teaching was taking place. Over the years Jane has taught and had management roles in boys’, girls’, co-educational, day and boarding schools. The decision to take a Principal role, therefore, was a natural one and the ideal platform to implement all the knowledge and ideas gained over her varied career.
Jane and the existing Principal, Carmel Crouch, have many similarities, in fact their paths have crossed on many occasions. They both share a love of English Literature and have it as their teaching subject. Carmel has been working closely with Jane to ensure a smooth transition, after her highly successful 11 years at the helm. Together they have instigated ‘Principal Adventures’ which enables Jane to spend time getting to know pupils and parents in different year groups. Jane has also been away on a cultural trip to Copenhagen with Year 10.
Jane was so impressed with Oakhill that she has taken the decision to move both her children to the school. John, who is in Year 9, completed a taster session earlier in the year and decided to move immediately rather than wait until September. Her daughter, Mary, is completing her Year 6 studies and will start in September in Year 7.
Jane noticed immediately what a happy school Oakhill is, where you can see a palpable love of learning in pupils. She remarks: “You can feel how much the staff care, giving so much of their time to understand and support pupils. There are also so many amazing opportunities outside of the classroom. This school creates confident, well-rounded individuals. Pupils are encouraged to go out of their comfort zone and try new things, which builds resilience to help them in later life. I really can’t wait to start.”
Oakhill wish Carmel their sincere thanks and appreciation for the wonderful contribution she has made to the school and are delighted to welcome Jane to the family.
Oakhill School and Nursery
Wiswell Lane, Whalley BB7 9AF
01254 823546
www.oakhillschool.co.uk
