Long-serving school principal to retire

A principal at a Derby secondary academy, which is part of the Archway Learning Trust, is set to retire after 34 years.

Michelle Strong, 56, who since September 2021 has been principal at the 890-pupil Alvaston Moor Academy on Bracken’s Lane, has announced her retirement.

Recently pronounced to be “improving” in a positive report from Ofsted, Michelle said she is proud of what has been achieved at the school and is looking forward to seeing it continue to make progress in the hands of her successor.

She said: “I want to see it continue to thrive and grow in the way it has been growing, and that students continue to realise the value of a good education that will open up doors for them.

“I will really miss the children and colleagues in school and the wider trust, but the time is right for me to retire and go out and see the world again.”

Michelle, who retires at Easter,  will be spending the coming weeks conducting a full handover with her successor, who has been appointed by Archway Learning Trust and will be formally announced soon.