Rachel Kitley is set to step down as Principal of Cowes Enterprise College at the end of the spring term, after nine years of leadership, to take up a senior inspector role with Ofsted.
She will take up a prestigious position with Ofsted as an His Majesty’s Inspector (HMI) leading inspections across the South East.
Rachel has led Cowes Enterprise College for the past nine years, having joined the academy in 2017 at a time when it was at a very different stage in its journey. Working closely with staff, students, families, governors and the wider Island community, she has overseen a sustained period of improvement and leaves the academy in a strong and stable position.
As a result of this collective work, outcomes are now consistently at or above national averages; the school is recognised nationally for improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils; the sixth form has grown significantly with students securing strong university and apprenticeship destinations; and the academy has maintained its Good Ofsted judgement. Cowes Enterprise College is now popular, oversubscribed and firmly established as a school of choice for local families.
During her time as Principal, working with the school community Rachel has also helped to raise the profile of the academy beyond the Island, including through championing its distinctive maritime curriculum and local heritage. This work has brought national recognition, including the Maritime UK Future Skills Award, and the school has been used as a case study for effective practice in a number of areas.
Rachel will continue to lead Cowes Enterprise College throughout the spring term to ensure continuity and a smooth transition. With the continued support of Ormiston Academies Trust, the recruitment process for a new Principal will begin shortly, with the intention of making an appointment for September.
The academy remains stable, well led and fully supported, with positive momentum continuing through the summer term, with an interim plan to be shared shortly.
Tom Rees, Chief Executive Officer of Ormiston Academies Trust, said:
“Rachel has led Cowes Enterprise College with distinction over the past nine years. When she joined the academy in 2017, it was at a very different point in its journey, and under her leadership it has gone from strength to strength.
“She leaves Cowes in one of the strongest positions it has ever been in, with strong outcomes and a positive direction of travel. Rachel’s appointment to a senior role with Ofsted is a testament to her expertise and leadership, and as a trust we are extremely grateful for the contribution she has made to the school, its students and the wider community.
“We will be working closely with the Governing Body and senior leadership team to ensure continued stability and momentum at Cowes as we appoint a new Principal for the future, who shares the same high ambitions and visions for the school and community.”
Rachel Kitley, Principal of Cowes Enterprise College, said:
“Leading Cowes Enterprise College has been a huge privilege, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the past nine years. Everything the school has accomplished has been driven by the dedication and professionalism of staff, the ambition of our students, and the support of families and the wider Cowes community.
“Moving to the Island was a big decision for my family and I, but we were made to feel welcome from the very beginning and we remain very grateful for that. Leaving is an extremely difficult decision, but I do so knowing the academy is in a strong position and well placed to continue building on the progress we have made together.”
Rachel Richards, Chair of Governors at Cowes Enterprise College, said:
“Rachel has provided highly effective and committed leadership at Cowes Enterprise College over the past nine years. The school is now well led, performing strongly and has a clear sense of identity and direction.
“We’re now fully focused on securing the right leadership for the future, and working closely with Ormiston Academies Trust, we are confident the academy will continue on its positive trajectory.”
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