New head lists priorities

By LAURA SMITH

THE new head of Dover Boys' Grammar says she will consider moving the school's sixth form onto the International Baccalaureate scheme.

PLANS: Sally Lees, new head of Boys Grammar, Dover

Sally Lees was appointed earlier this month after the resignation of current head Julia Bell. She will begin her new job in September.

She was in Dover last week to meet staff and discuss her aims and ambitions for the site. She told them she had positive experience of the International Baccalaureate scheme - a programme of study which replaces traditional A levels.

Mrs Lees said: "The experience I have of the scheme is very positive. What I really like is that it offers a genuine breadth in the way the Curriculum 2000 was flagged up to do but didn't really deliver.

"I do like it and it is something I would be interested in looking into - but I have to get to know the school first. The scheme is not right for every school" Mrs Lees, who has been deputy head of Maidstone Boys' Grammar School for four years, also wants to improve facilities at her new school.

She said: "Toilets and changing rooms are at the top of the list. If we expect students to behave well we have to respect them and provide them with decent facilities. I will have to find the money somewhere." She will visit the school next term to start getting to know pupils.

She said: "I think the school has a huge amount of potential," and she promised: "I won't be the type of head who is hidden away in the office writing policies - my priority is to provide leadership for people and to motivate the staff and pupils."