Principal Designate Appointed to the North East Wolverhampton Academy

Bal took up her post as Principal Designate on April 19 and becomes Principal when the Academy opens in September 2010. The Academy, which has a Business, Enterprise and Engineering Specialism, will cater for 11 to 19 year olds and will have 1,300 students on the school roll in September. In her previous posts, Bal was Senior Vice Principal and then Principal of an Academy in Solihull.

City of Wolverhampton College, the University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton City Council, sponsors of the new North East Wolverhampton Academy are delighted with the appointment.

The University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor Sir Geoff Hampton, who is Chief Adviser for the Black Country Challenge, said: "We're looking forward to working with Bal and developing our relationship with the new academy."

Principal of the College Ian Millard said: “Bal has many years experience in the education field and she will prove invaluable in giving the proposed Academy the best possible start. I very much look forward to working with her to ensure that the new Academy becomes known as a centre of quality education and excellence.”

Bal said: “I feel very privileged and proud to be offered this appointment, and I am particularly excited about witnessing the benefits that the unique combination of sponsors will bring for both students and staff”.

“I am particularly pleased with the specialism of the proposed Academy, having previously worked in specialist Business and Enterprise colleges for nearly ten years I have first hand experience of the huge benefits this focus will bring to our students. The innovative curriculum that the Academy will provide will ensure that students are equipped with the skills to be successful, entrepreneurial citizens in the global community”.

“I am looking forward to working with the students and staff on both sites, as well as parents, carers and members of the local community, in shaping our new Academy.”

The Academy is set to open on the existing sites of The Northicote School and Pendeford Business and Enterprise College in September 2010.

A new building will be placed on the Pendeford site, and is proposed to be completed by January 2014.