A SCHOOL in Kearsley, which was hit with a string of complaints earlier this year, has announced the name of its new principal.

Steve West will take over at Kearsley Academy in September, joining from the Harris Federation, which runs a network of academies in London.

Former principal Gavin Salvesen-Sawh left the role at Christmas and the school has since been overseen by executive principal Jo Nolan whose new rules had caused some disruption.

Issues reached a head in March after a pair of students were sent home for wearing the wrong kind of black shoes and another girl was allegedly told to dye her ginger hair by a teacher, because it was “not a natural colour”.

But the new head, Mr West, said he was excited about his appointment and was looking forward to taking on the role.

He said: “I am thrilled to be appointed as principal at Kearsley Academy and to be joining an academy that is at the heart of its local community. It is a privilege to be given this opportunity and I am determined that the academy will flourish.

“As an experienced school leader, I am passionate about working with young people as they look to develop their academic achievement in an innovative, inclusive and happy environment.”

Ms Nolan will remain in her role as executive principal and continue to oversee five schools in the area which are run under the banner of the Northern Education Trust (NET).

She said: “I am elated that we have such an outstanding leader joining us and, along with the rest of the staff, look forward to welcoming Steve to Bolton.”

Rob Tarn, chief executive of the NET, added: “This is wonderful news for Kearsley Academy. Steve is an experienced leader from an outstanding school and we are fortunate to have secured his appointment.”

Nicola Lane, mother of Paris, who had told by a teacher to dye her hair, said she did not think a new principal would ease the rules at the school.

She explained: “I personally think a new head teacher will just carry on with the same rules that have been brought in this year.”

Mr West’s previous role was a vice-principal position at Harris Academy Merton in Mitcham, London, Surrey.