Academy will be made a ‘beacon of excellence’

Marianne Gentilli, who had been the acting principal of The Littlehampton Academy (TLA) since January this year, has been appointed by the Woodard Academies Trust to the position with immediate effect.

Ms Gentilli takes over from the site’s former principal, Steve Jewell, who resigned amid controversy over TLA’s latest Ofsted results, announced earlier this year.

Ms Gentilli said she has so far relished her time in the top role at the school, in Fitzalan Road.

She added that she was ready to improve standards at TLA, claiming that she hoped to make the school a ‘beacon of educational excellence’.

“It is a real honour to be appointed into this important role,” she said. “I have relished my time at the academy to date and although it has been challenging, it has also been rewarding to see how staff, students and parents can work together for the benefit of all.

“There is much to champion at The Littlehampton Academy and still an enormous amount of work to be done, but the foundations are now in place to take this academy forwards and for it to become a beacon of educational excellence in the community.”

Ms Gentilli, with her extensive background in teaching, school leadership and school improvement, has made significant changes to the academy following the publication of the Ofsted report in February, which saw inspectors place the school in special measures.

Having led a thorough review and established an Academy Improvement Plan, she has been instrumental in ensuring a focus on improving standards, tracking student progress and involving parents and the local community in the life of the secondary school.

David Bilton, chief executive of Woodard Academies Trust, said Ms Gentilli’s ‘boundless energy’ would work positively at the school.

“Marianne brings a fresh and proven approach to The Littlehampton Academy,” he added. “During her interim role, she has proved not only her ability to make change but also to drive progress, inspire those around her and ensure a focus on developing a passion for learning in all students.

“With her natural communication style and boundless energy we are confident that Marianne is the right person to take The Littlehampton Academy forwards, to ensure that all who work and study in the academy can reach their full potential.”