Leeds West Academy has appointed Dan Whieldon as its new principal.
Mr Whieldon has been acting principal of Leeds West Academy, on Intake Lane, Rodley, since September 2020.
He joined in January 2018 as vice principal for achievement and outcomes, consolidating over 10 years of experience in education leadership. His expertise was essential in securing year-on-year improvements in results and the best results in Leeds West Academy’s history.
He then became Head of School in January 2020, when former Principal Christian Wilcocks transitioned into the role of Associate Executive Principal for the Trust.
After an initial career in television production, including working at ITV, Mr Whieldon trained as an English teacher and began his teaching career at the former West Leeds High School in Armley in 2001.
Mr Whieldon said it was an honour to be appointed principal. He added:
“I feel privileged and humbled to serve and lead our amazing school. Leeds West Academy students, staff and our families are a special community, and I am confident with the strength of support and partnership we have with our parents, we can continue to work together to create the very best futures for our young people.
“This area has so much character and strength of community pride. I have always known what a special place this is to work, since beginning my career in teaching over twenty years ago at the former West Leeds High School, serving the communities of Bramley and Armley.
“I firmly believe that better never stops, and we will continue to do even the most ordinary things extraordinarily well at Leeds West Academy as we drive a staff culture of professional excellence to ensure we create the world-class academy our community deserves.”
Christian Wilcocks, Trust Executive Principal, added:
“We are delighted to appoint Dan Whieldon as Principal of Leeds West Academy. Ever since he joined the school and our Trust in 2018, he has been integral in securing improvements and inspiring our students to become ambitious and achieve greater things.
“Dan has been doing an excellent job as Acting Principal of the school since the start of this academic year and now he has the opportunity to fully implement his vision of transformation for Leeds West Academy and ensure the school grows as beacon of the community.”
