A new headteacher has been appointed to lead a York secondary school.
Gavin Kumar has been named as the new principal of York High School and will take up the post in September, following the retirement of current head, Rod Sims.
Mr Kumar is trust associate principal at Hope Sentamu Learning Trust in York, which runs Manor CE Academy and Vale of York Academy among others.
He was previously vice principal at Manor and assistant vice principal at Vale of York.
Now in his 17th year of working in education, Mr Kumar graduated from York St John University in 2007 with a degree in sports studies and physical education.
He completed the graduate teacher programme at York High School and Manor CE Academy.
Mr Kumar moved to Tadcaster Grammar School as a PE teacher and head of year. After seven years he moved to Brigshaw High School where he became director of learning.
Originally from Thirsk, he now lives in York.
Mr Kumar said “At the very beginning of my career, I trained at York High School as part of my teacher training, so this feels very special coming back to the school as principal.
“I have also previously lived in the community for a number of years, so I fully understand the amazing journey that the school has been on and I look forward to leading the school onto our next exciting and successful chapter.”
York High School is part of South Bank Multi Academy Trust.
CEO of the trust Mark Hassack said: “On behalf of the SBMAT family, I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to Gavin.
“We’re all looking forward to working with him in the autumn, but I am sure many members of the York High community will see him in and around school over the next couple of months as he gets to know everyone.
“He is passionate about the York High School community, has a huge commitment to continuous school improvement and has a huge amount of experience and knowledge to share.”
York High School was rated Good by Ofsted in September 2022. Current headteacher, Rod Sims, retires at the end of the summer term after 15 years at the school.