A HEADTEACHER who oversaw the transition of a school into an academy has resigned.

Craig Baker has stepped down from his position at West Craven High School in Barnoldswick after three years for family reasons.

During his time he oversaw a significant redevelopment of the school’s facilities and its transition to an academy under the Pendle Education Trust.

Anne Bonney, who is deputy headteacher at Colne Primet Academy, will take over in September.

The Kelbrook Road school will be run by the trust’s executive principal Julie Burnside until Mrs Bonney formally starts in September.

Philip Mooney, who has worked as headteacher at schools across Lancashire, will provide additional support.

Mr Baker said: “It has been a privilege to be the headteacher at West Craven and I felt welcome from day one.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here.

“I want to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to the students of West Craven High School for their endeavour and entertainment.

“As well as being very talented, they are extremely caring and generous, especially in relation to charitable giving.

"I wish them every success going forward, in particular those that will be sitting their GCSE exams this summer.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to the staff for their hard work and support, without whom, the school would be nothing.

“I have always said that West Craven is a family-orientated school and I hope that the community understands the decision that I have had to take which is to put my family before work.”

Anita Ghidotti, the trust’s chief executive, said: “I wish to place on record my thanks to Craig for his leadership of West Craven High School over a number of years, and we wish him all the best in the future.

“Craig will formally be replaced in September by Anne.

“She brings a wealth of experience with her and will work with West Craven High School’s staff team to ensure the best standards of education for our children.”

Pendle Education Trust, which is sponsored by Nelson and Colne College and set up in 2013, also runs Colne Primet Academy, Pendle Primary Academy and Castercliff Primary Academy.