Welcome to Our New Principal, Mr Grainge

As he steps into his role, Mr Grainge has already been actively engaging with our school community to understand the needs and aspirations of our students, parents, and staff. In this Q&A, Mr Grainge shares his vision for the school, introduces the new Senior Leadership Team, and outlines the initiatives and changes he plans to implement.

We invite you to read on to learn more about how Mr Grainge intends to lead Judgemeadow into a positive and successful future.

Q: What have you been doing to prepare for your new headship? 

Mr Grainge: To ensure I'm fully prepared for my new role at Judgemeadow, I've actively engaged with a range of members from across our school community. I've consulted with students, parents, and staff to understand the key issues that matter most to them. Also, I've met with local primary school Heads, community leaders and parents during events such as an Iftar Dinner and the 'Meet the New SLT' evening, where I addressed questions from parents across all year groups. 

Q: Can you introduce us to your new Senior Leadership Team (SLT)? What skills and experience do they bring with them? 

Mr Grainge: Our new SLT is comprised of dedicated and experienced professionals: 

• Robert Howell and Emma Andrews are our Assistant Principals. 

• Sally Howgate and Jon Hunt are our Vice Principals. 

You can read more about them here each member brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to our school’s success. 

Q: What new initiatives are you planning for the pupils? 

Mr Grainge: We're excited to roll out our new school values, known as HEART—Happiness, Excellence, Ambition, Respect, and Teamwork. These values will be central to our new rewards system. Additionally, we’re introducing more student leadership opportunities and expanding work experience opportunities, particularly through partnerships with our local primary schools. 

Q: Are you considering any other changes to the school, particularly in response to student and parent feedback? 

Mr Grainge: Yes, we’re currently reviewing several areas based on the feedback we’ve received. This includes a comprehensive review of our catering services to offer a more flexible menu, the introduction of a dedicated Prayer Room, and an evaluation of our Behaviour Policy. We’re also exploring ways to better support student mental health. 

Q: What work have you done, or will you be doing with local primaries to ensure a smooth transition to secondary school? 

Mr Grainge: I've met with all our new starters and their parents or carers during the summer term at our 'Meet the Tutor' evening. I've also been visiting primary schools to build strong relationships with Headteachers. We’re developing further opportunities for primary school children to visit Judgemeadow for taster lessons, school shows, and discovery sessions in subjects like Technology and Science. 

Q: Can you share a bit more about your personal background and why you're excited to be returning to the Judgemeadow community? 

Mr Grainge: I am returning to Judgemeadow following 2.5 years as Headteacher at Castle Rock School in Coalville. I am delighted to be coming back; I have missed the students, community and staff. As a Headteacher and Father of 3 children, I am aware of the importance of a good education where children are socially and academically happy and successful. Having grown up in a working-class town in the North-East of England, the value of teachers who believed in me, encouraged me to be ambitious and supported my aspirations has always been of high importance in shaping my leadership and the schools I work in. The most successful schools are built on strong partnerships between staff, students and home, where shared ambitions are worked on collectively and collaboratively.   

Q: You plan to roll out new values for pupils to adopt. Can you tell us more about them and why they’re important for Judgemeadow? 

Mr Grainge: Our new school values – HEART – are Happiness, Excellence, Ambition, Respect, Teamwork. 

As adults, we often talk of Secondary School being the “best time of our lives”. I care passionately that this connection and joy is still the experience of children today. Being happy at school is the critical emotion that shapes your experience, so we want to encourage actions and behaviours that give us all the best chance of feeling positive about our school and the lived experience. 

Promoting excellence and being ambitious is about ensuring the children at our school have an equal, if not better, access to options at Post-16 and beyond. It is about creating a culture that opens possibilities and supports the dreams and aspirations of young people. I feel strongly that an educational journey is a path that requires immense teamwork and collective effort; pulling in the same direction and sharing the same ethos is profound. 

These values will be woven into every aspect of school life, from assemblies to our rewards systems, ensuring they are at the heart of our students' daily experiences.