THE head of Colchester Academy has left the school.

Barry Hersom has been principal at the Greenstead school for five years.

The move comes as the school becomes a Bright Tribe academy, following a change of sponsor to the organisation from Colchester Institute. 

Assistant principal Fiona Pierson has taken up the reigns as Head of School and will be supported by Linda Bamford, one of Bright Tribe’s centrally employed executive heads and former head of Sir Charles Lucas school - the academy's predecessor. 

Bright Tribe runs one school in Cumbria, one in Greater Manchester and four in Suffolk.

Gary Kelly, Bright Tribe Senior Regional Director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Colchester Academy into the Bright Tribe family and we’re excited to start working with the staff, students, parents and the local community to ensure that the school provides an outstanding and broad education for all students.”

Mr Hersom added: “The transfer to Bright Tribe is an exciting new beginning for the academy. 

"Now is the right time for me to stand aside and allow the next generation to take the lead.

"I am confident that as part of Bright Tribe the academy will provide a brilliant education for our young people.”