Rockwell Green Primary School’s recently appointed Headmaster, Mike Berrisford who takes over from Acting Head Nigel Andrews in January 2019, is currently Deputy Headteacher and Special Education Needs Co-ordinator at Avishayes Primary School and Early Years Centre in Chard.
Introducing himself to the Rockwell Green community, Mr Berrisford said, “I am delighted to have been appointed as the Headteacher of Rockwell Green Church of England Primary School and I am very excited about the prospect of leading the school from January 2019. After half-term I will be at Rockwell Green for a few days, learning more about the ‘Rockwell Green way’, and look forward to meeting some of you whilst visiting.
“Personally, I live on the outskirts of Exeter, am married to my wife Rebecca and have two children, Freya and Harry. Family is the most important part of my life and we spend a lot of time with our extended family. As a family we especially enjoy being in the outdoors; we spend much time kayaking, body-boarding, cycling and walking.
“My educational philosophy comes from this strong sense of family and wanting the very best for all children and the community in which they live. I have worked in three schools previously, two of which were Church of England schools, and have been a Deputy Headteacher for over sixteen years. Within this time I have also been an Acting Headteacher on a number of occasions and have had the opportunity and experience of most leadership and management aspects within primary school headship.
“I believe very much in working together and building strong relationships. From January I will be very keen to hear parent/carers thoughts and views about the school, how it can prosper in the future so that in partnership we can support the children to thrive and be successful life-long learners.”
Writing in the school’s newsletter in October, Avishayes Head, Clare Rinaldi said, “It is with mixed emotions that I announce that Mr Berrisford has accepted an appointment as Headteacher of Rockwell Green Primary School starting in January 2019.
“Mr Berrisford has been such a huge part of Avishayes’ growing success and he will be sorely missed by children, parents and staff. We thank him for everything that he has done for the school and wish him the very best in his promotion. Our loss is very much their gain and I know that he will be an excellent Headteacher.”
Avishayes was rated as ‘Good’ in every category in its last Ofsted Inspection in 2015.