A NEW principle designate has been appointed to head up a potential new academy in Thetford, while the public are given a chance to have their say on the overall plans.

A NEW principle designate has been appointed to head up a potential new academy in Thetford, while the public are given a chance to have their say on the overall plans.

Christine Carey, currently head at the John Spendluffe Foundation Technology College in Lincolnshire, will take up the post if the proposal to bring Charles Burrell Humanities School and Rosemary Musker High together, with the addition of a new forum building in the town centre, is given the final go ahead from the government this summer.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity of working with the students, staff, parents and wider community of Thetford.

“I am also excited at the prospect of being able to work with such a unique set of sponsors.

“As a partnership we can work together to ensure our young people are equipped with the skills and confidence they need to be successful members of the global community.”

Principal of Wymondham College and lead sponsor of the proposed Thetford Academy, Melvyn Roffe, added: “I am thrilled that we have secured the services of a very experienced educational leader to take the proposed academy forward. There was fierce competition for this role and the calibre of candidates from across the UK is testament to this exciting initiative.

“Christine Carey clearly demonstrated to us that she shares our vision for the academy. She has the expertise and determination to deliver an academy which will build a reputation for high quality, innovative teaching and learning and, will also be at the heart of the Thetford education and business communities.”

In the meantime, the Thetford community are being urged to have their say at a series of consultation meetings and drop-in events in June.

People will be able to meet the sponsors, have their say while two of the meetings will include a presentation and question and answer session.

The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 8 from 7pm until 9pm at Thetford Grammar School on Williamson Street.

The two drop in events will be on Monday, June 14 between 3pm and 6pm at Charles Burrell on Staniforth Road, and Tuesday, June 15, also between 3pm and 6pm at Rosemary Musker on Croxton Road.

The public meeting which will include a presentation will be on Thursday, June 17 from 7pm until 9pm at Thetford Grammar School.