Devizes School new leadership team outlines priorities

In May it was announced that Devizes School headteacher David Cooper would become the new executive headteacher of both Devizes and Melksham Oak Community School.

Mr Cooper began the role at the start of this academic year, and has been splitting his time between the two sites, while Ben Cave has taken up the position of associate headteacher.

In this role, he will focus on the day-to-day issues in Devizes while Mr Cooper handles the “strategic leadership” of both schools.

The new-look senior team has placed an emphasis on helping all students achieve their goals.

READ MORE: Wiltshire headteacher 'excited' for challenge of running two schools

Devizes School's executive headteacher David Cooper (Image: Devizes School) Mr Cooper said: “We know what our attainment was this summer and we’re very pleased with it, we’re just waiting for confirmation from the Department for Education’s progress scores.

“For this year, first and foremost, we want to make sure our students are safe and enjoying their time in school but we also want to keep aspirations high across all our year groups.

“We want them to make really good progress, ultimately as teachers, the biggest thing is seeing children move on to the next phase and seeing them get apprenticeships or top university places.”

Mr Cave added: “Staff are working really hard to ensure the good outcomes for young people, that we achieved the last two summers, continue.”

The pair are also keen to maintain a culture of “respect and kindness” amongst pupils and staff on the site.

Mr Cave has been at Devizes School since 2021, originally as assistant headteacher, and says he feels “privileged” to have been appointed to his new position.

Devizes School's associate headteacher Ben Cave (Image: Devizes School) He added: “I’m delighted to take on the role and continue to support the school and its students.

“Our students have come back incredibly positive about their education and opportunities here, and it’s genuinely an honour to take on the role and serve the school in this way.”

Meanwhile, Mr Cooper believes his new role will provide more opportunities for children at both Devizes School and Melksham Oak.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed the last few weeks, making sure we forge some stronger links between Devizes and Melksham Oak.

“That’s already begun to bear some fruit for students because it’s given us a bit more bargaining power in terms of attracting staff.

“It’s also broadened our sixth form offering by enabling students to switch between schools and study courses that aren’t available in their own schools, so there have been immediate tangible benefits.”