Changes at Bexhill High

His deputy Di Hawksby - who has been at Bexhill High for more than 30 years - will now be acting head.

In his Christmas newsletter, Mr Conn informed parents that Sir Dexter Hutt would be joining Bexhill High this term in preparation for the launch of the new Bexhill High in September.

He is highly respected locally for the impact of his private education company, Ninestiles, which has helped raised standards at The Grove, Hillcrest, and Filsham Valley in Hastings.

Ninestiles will be working with Year 11 students at Bexhill High - primarily in english and maths - to consolidate high standards.

One parent contacted the Observer to express her support for Dexter Hutt's arrival at the school.

She said: "He does a very good job. He goes in with his own team and looks at teachers who need retraining, and also deals with the behaviour of the children. The three schools in Hastings now have the same discipline procedure and are all run the same way.

"When I read Mike Conn's email on December 18, I thought - Thank the Lord, I couldn't be more pleased. I had heard it was possible he was coming. I want to be the first one shaking his hand when he get there. If anyone can do it at Bexhill High, this man can."

Mr Conn commented: "These are two crucial changes at Bexhill High as we enter 2010, a year which promises to be the start of an amazing journey for our pupils, staff and parents.

"Let's be clear, we are talking about an amazing new school, and innovative new way of learning, for our students. It represents a massive step forward in the education of our learners."

He said that there remains much work to do with the new building, which is why he is stepping aside at the Down Road site until the next school year.

"I have to make sure everything is in order for September 2010. I cannot do that while at the same time running the school on a daily basis. That is why Miss Hawksby will assume responsibility on a daily basis, and I have every confidence in her. She will do a super job.

"I had to make a choice, as to whether to, in effect, replace myself. One option would have been to bring in another senior head or deputy head until July.

"However, the better option is to use the services of Ninestiles on a temporary basis. They will support the school in achieving what we hope to be excellent Key Stage 4 results. This is a very exciting development for Bexhill High School."

There will also be a new vocational skill centre at the Down Road site. Total cost is 38million - 33million is provided by the Building Schools for the Future programme, 4.4million by East Sussex County Council, and 500,000 by the school for a new theatre.