Every good thing has to come to an end eventually and after 18 years of fun as Head of Bathampton Primary School, headteacher Paul Falkus is preparing to leave at the end of the summer term.
Paul taught in two schools in London before moving to Bath to take up a role as Deputy Head at Weston All Saints Primary School (WASPS) in Bath. After seven years, the role of Head at Bathampton came up and Paul jumped at the opportunity. At the time it was a mixed age four class school. Instead of eventually moving on to a larger school, Paul worked with the governors to oversee the growth of the school to seven classes.
The school has been a popular choice for local families, helped by the outstanding location and friendly ethos. Paul explained that one of the challenges has been to get the balance between high academic standards and promoting a relaxed outdoors and adventurous approach to learning. “The previous Head Anna Grayson did an amazing job purchasing a field and planting it, and we have learnt how to make the most of this with our Forest School sessions led by Tania Orgill and den building and tree climbing playtimes.
“It has been a real privilege to work with such amazing staff, children, parents and governors over the years. The school has been described as being one of the friendliest schools in Bath and there is often a happy atmosphere in the school which I will miss. It was exciting to get the Ofsted Outstanding grade in 2010 and to have had some years with academic success but overall I just hope that children will be able to look back on their time at the school and have a lot of happy memories and be ready to make their mark in the world.”
Paul added that he is now looking forward to creative activities such as sketching, painting, writing and learning to play his electric guitar, hopefully with time to travel and time to catch up with friends and family.
Paul replacement will be Tom Brewer, someone Paul describes as having the skills and personality to take the school on to the next stage of its learning adventure. Tom lives in Trowbridge with his wife and four children. After graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, he completed his PGCE at Bath Spa University. He has been teaching for 15 years and thoroughly enjoys making a difference to children’s lives. He is also the captain of the Trowbridge men’s tennis team, avidly follows Bath Rugby and is a keen Manchester United fan.
“I am absolutely delighted to be taking over the reigns as Headteacher at Bathampton Primary School from Paul and can’t wait to meet all the pupils, staff and families in the community,” he added.