IPSWICH: A former teacher is returning to her old school as it prepares for its transformation into an academy.

The Learning Schools Trust announced the appointment of Nancy Robinson as principal designate for the proposed Ipswich Academy, which is due to replace Holywells High School in January 2011.

Ms Robinson was formerly a teacher and head of department at Holywells and is currently executive principal at Charles Burrell Humanities School, where she was deputy headteacher and headteacher for 13 years, and Rosemary Musker High School in Thetford – a position she has held since 2008.

Ms Robinson said: “Throughout my career I have been committed to helping improve the skills and life chances of our students.

“It is clear to me that the opening of Ipswich Academy will help to transform not only our school but also the local community.

“My aim for the academy over the next few years is to raise pupils’ performance in exams and to help make it one of the most attractive schools in the area.”

Steve Bolingbroke, managing director of Swedish academy sponsor, Kunskapsskolan UK, said: “The appointment of Nancy as principal designate is an important step towards opening the proposed academy in January 2011.”

Graham Newman, the council’s portfolio holder for children and young people, added: “The overall priority now is to build on the recent achievements at Holywells High to transform the educational outcomes of every student that attends the school.”

The Ipswich Academy is set to open in existing buildings in January 2011. The government will fund new buildings on a new site next to Gainsborough Sports Centre to be completed by September 2013.