OUR PATCH SEPTEMBER 2016
TALKING HEADS
One of the most successful schools in the borough, Brackenbury primary, has a new head at the helm when class starts on September 7. Dave Collins has taken over from Jackie Roberts. It is the 36-year-old’ s second headship, having run a school in Yateley, Hampshire, for six years.
His background is intriguing; he was a special in the police force. Any youngsters expecting the new head to be a soft touch may need a rethink.
Brackenbury, in Dalling Road, W6, is Dave’ s biggest professional challenge, not least because he last worked in an inner-city school when he was training.
It’ s a job he’ s relishing.“ I applied as I really like the atmosphere,” he said.
“ It is such a diverse school; far more diverse than the school I’ m currently at.“ When you walk in you can tell it’ s creative, with lots of talent in arts, sport and music. You know it’ s purposeful, and that the children are happy.”
Dave, who moved to Twickenham in January, knows how much sport means to Brackenbury, and is determined to build on its rich sporting heritage.
The school invariably features in the late stages of the Mayor’ s Cup primary school football tournament, regularly lifting both boys’ and girls’ trophies as well as the borough’ s cricket cups.
SPORTING TRADITION“ They love their sport here, and that also drew me,” he said.“ You sense the passion for sport, arts, music and academic work; it’ s an all-round school.” Dave went to the summer fair, has met most of the staff, and has been impressed by the supportive parents.
His partner is a property manager, but the couple have no children. He laughed at the question, pointing out that he already has 500 to look after!
His specialisms are English, computing and assessment.
Brackenbury, with its proud roots in the Victorian era, has spent the last few weeks undergoing major refurbishment,
CALL ME DAVE
Brackenbury Primary ' s new head is a former police special who is determined to build on the school ' s sporting excellence, writes Tim Harrison
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