21 May 2021 Dear Parent/Carer I would like to start with a huge thank you to our fantastic staff who have continued to deliver high quality engaging lessons for our students during these challenging times. Student engagement continues to be of a high standard so a big thank you also to our students who have shown great determination to keep up with their studies. Our thanks also to our parents and carers for their support and encouragement in what has been another unprecedented year. After nearly four years in post as Principal of The Featherstone Academy, I share the news that I will be leaving my position in the summer to take on the role of Headteacher of Castleford Academy with effect from September. I am sad to see my role as Principal come to a close, especially under the current COVID school operations, where I am unable to announce this change to our students or staff in person. Exciting new challenges lie ahead for me however I will greatly miss The Featherstone Academy, its students, staff and community. I hold a deep respect and affection for the academy. It has been my honour and privilege to lead the academy during the past four years and I truly believe the academy will continue to make the progress we have made under the guidance of The Rodillian Multi Academy Trust. The Featherstone Academy is a wonderful community and I know it will continue to offer a high quality education and rich experience for its young people. It is a school to be proud of. This is exemplified in how our academy has overcome the immense new challenges of the pandemic; innovating new practices to support our students to feel safe and learn well in these difficult times. The role of Principal has been particularly challenging in these new socially distanced times. I would like to thank the amazing team of professionals who I have relied on every day both in the academy staff and wider Trust staff and leadership. Part of the job as a school leader is to trust and listen to people and I have done that more than ever recently in our changed educational world. We have an amazing school within a great Multi Academy Trust. The Featherstone Academy offers a wealth of opportunities for our children to be the best they can be, in every area of life. With every opportunity comes change. I am confident that The Featherstone Academy will continue to strengthen and flourish. Rodillian Multi Academy Trust is one of the most successful Trusts in the country, with many highly skilled and experienced school leaders. The process of appointing a new Principal for the Academy has already begun and we are hoping we can make an announcement early next month. It will of course, COVID aside, be very much business as usual, as I continue to work with our staff, students and community to navigate these strange times as safely and successfully as possible. I close by thanking you for your ongoing support. Your positive phone calls and emails about the progress we continue to make have meant so much to us all. It is great feedback and much appreciated, it has kept us all going and we are most grateful! Yours sincerely Wesley Bush Principal The Featherstone Academy Pontefract Road Featherstone Pontefract West Yorkshire WF7 5AJ T: 01977 722805 E: [email protected] W: www.featherstone.academy Part of The Rodillian Multi Academy Trust .