Cockermouth School’s headteacher has announced he is leaving after nine years.
Dr Rob Petrie joined the secondary school as deputy head in 2012 and became headteacher in 2015. He is leaving to take a new role as an inspector of schools, which he will begin in September.
A statement from the board of governors said: “The governors wish to thank Dr Petrie for his tireless hard work and strong leadership; during his tenure the school’s Progress 8 score has risen from +0.03 to +0.51 making Cockermouth School one of the highest achieving secondary schools in the North West, ranking us in the top 10 per cent of secondary schools in the country at GCSE and A-level.”
Cockermouth School was also placed in the top 20 schools in the North West in the Sunday Times Parent Power List in 2018.
Dr Petrie said: “Leaving Cockermouth School has been a very difficult decision but as we hopefully emerge from the pandemic, I feel that the time is right to move on to new challenges. Cockermouth School will always be a special place for me and I will take with me many fond memories of our fantastic school community.
“I’m proud of everything we have achieved in the last few years under my leadership, and know that our success is down to the exceptional group of staff and students who I’ve been fortunate to work alongside.
“It’s been a privilege to serve the community of Cockermouth and my heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support and kindness.”
Chair of governors Andrew Ward, said: ”Rob will be a very hard person to replace. Headteachers of Rob’s calibre are rare but we have begun the process of finding our new headteacher and we are looking forward to a new chapter in the school’s incredible journey.”
