The principal of Medway’s first new academy, due to open on the sites of Chapter and Temple schools in Strood in September 2009, has been named as Richard Hart.

Currently head of the Thomas Aveling School, in Rochester Mr Hart will lead the planning of the new academy from January 2009 to help ensure it is ready to welcome its first intake of pupils when Temple and Chapter Schools close.

The academy, which will be sponsored by the University for the Creative Arts and Medway Council, will offer full opportunities for academic and practical learning for students between the ages of 11 and 19.

The academy will initially operate on both school sites while work continues on a new building due to open in 2012 on the current Chapter site.

At that point, all the existing students at both schools will join the academy, which will take 1200 students between 11 and 16 and a sixth form of 300.

Mr Hart has been credited with leading the transformation of Thomas Aveling into one of Medway’s most popular and successful schools.

Dianne Taylor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the University for the Creative Arts, said: “I am delighted to have appointed Richard Hart to this post. His record of leading improvement at Thomas Aveling and his exciting vision for the academy convinced all of us that he is the right person for this vital job.

Mr Hart said he was “very excited” about the new academy, adding: “We will build on the best of Chapter and Temple schools and work with the university to establish a school that will make a real difference to young people’s opportunities in Strood.

“I am passionate about teaching and learning, and determined to make sure that the academy will be a place where young people find learning exciting, challenging and stimulating and where they will feel safe, happy, and cared for.”

Medway Council’s portfolio holder for children’s services Cllr Les Wicks said: “This is very good news for the new academy in Strood.

“Mr Hart is a very experienced headteacher and is the right person for the job.

"I am sure he will be able to make a huge success of the academy and will make sure the children of Strood will get the best start in life.”