Victoria Schaefer, who was previously Deputy Headteacher having initially joined the school as Assistant Headteacher responsible for Sixth Form, takes over from Daniel Leonard who left at the end of the summer term.

She said: "At West Hatch, our motto is simple yet powerful: 'To be the best that I can be.' This guiding principle shapes our approach to education and our commitment to each and every student. I am honoured to lead a school where academic excellence, character development and a supportive community are at the heart of our mission. I am exceptionally proud of our school and the students whom we serve."

"West Hatch is more than just a school; it is a place where everyone can strive to follow the school's motto and be the best they can be."

She added: "Our first priority is ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve outstanding progress throughout their educational journey. We believe that success is not just an end goal but a habit - one that is built through dedication, effort, and the right support. Our teaching staff are committed to delivering high-quality, engaging lessons that challenge and inspire." 

"We use evidence-based practices and provide tailored support to help every student reach their full potential. By fostering what we proudly call the 'West Hatch Spirit', we strive to create a school where kindness, empathy, justice, and diversity are celebrated every day. Our community is one where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported."

"We believe education is not just about academic achievements but about developing well-rounded individuals who are ready to make positive contributions to society. Our school values guide our interactions and ensure that every student can thrive in a caring and inclusive environment. We are also dedicated to developing character skills through a variety of exciting opportunities both inside and outside the classroom."

"We encourage our students to be determined, respectful, responsible, considerate, proud, and ready to achieve. These qualities are at the core of our character education programme, which is designed to help students become confident, resilient, and compassionate individuals."