Royal Wootton Bassett Academy appoints new headteacher

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy has appointed Anita Ellis as headteacher of the school. Mrs Ellis, who is currently deputy head at the school, is taking over from George Croxford, who will become CEO of the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust.

Mrs Ellis’s appointment was made by a panel comprising George Croxford, Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust chair Marion Sweet, academy governing body chair Olivia Thomas, and Sandra Muir, headteacher of Lawn Manor Academy in Swindon.

Anita started work at the school in 2001 as a newly qualified teacher of history and sociology. She has held the post of deputy head for eight years.

George Croxford said:

“This is a fabulous appointment. Anita is exactly the right person to take the school further now, and having worked with her I know the trajectory will be onwards and upwards. The staff are delighted that she has got the job, and so am I.”

Anita said that she is equally delighted to be selected to lead the school.

“I am over the moon,” she said.

“I’ve been here a long time, and quite honestly this is a dream come true. You work hard every day to do your best, and leave at the end of the day hoping what you have done has really helped your students. To have that culminating in such an exciting opportunity is amazing, and I feel honoured.”

Mrs Ellis has been married to Clare Ellis for 11 years, and the couple have a six-year-old daughter, Elin Haf.

“I’m proud to be the school’s first female headteacher,” said Anita. “It feels good to be a role model.”

When not working, Mrs Ellis and her family enjoy training, running and walking their golden retriever Buzz. Anita, who hails from Wrexham, also enjoys rugby, socialising and reading about current affairs.