New leadership team at St Martin's Primary School

Friday, 4 October 2024 06:00

The Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust (DSAT) has appointed two new leaders at St. Martin’s CE Primary School.

Ollie Martindale assumed the role of Executive Headteacher and Becka Miller-Goddard is the new Head of School. Both supported the school during the latter half of the summer term but took up their official posts in September. Prior to these appointments, Becka was Assistant Headteacher and SENDCo at St. Peter’s CE Primary and part of the team that took the school from its official opening in September 2018, through a successful 2022 OFSTED and beyond. Ollie was Headteacher at St. Peter’s during this time and continues to oversee the strategic direction and improvement priorities of both schools as Executive Headteacher of St. Peter’s and St. Martin’s.

With the city centre as its catchment, St. Martin’s is one of Salisbury’s most diverse schools with around 22 different languages spoken by pupils and a wide range of cultures represented. Becka Miller-Goddard recounts her first few days at the school, “The pupils were so well behaved and have such a wonderful work ethic. The sky is the limit for them . . . and the school!”

Ollie has worked in schools for 18 years. His experience as a school leader will help St. Martin’s on its journey of improvement: “It is a privilege to take on this new role and work alongside a very dedicated team of professionals (including three recently appointed teachers and a new SENDCo) in re-establishing St. Martin’s as an inclusive and high-achieving school.”

A significant part of the new leadership means there is close collaboration between St. Peter’s and St. Martin’s. Ollie remarked: “We already have several colleagues working across both sites, from teaching assistants to senior staff. Our vision is to share the expertise and experience of all stakeholders in other ways, such as shared professional development, to improve the learning experiences and outcomes of all our pupils.”

CEO of DSAT, Mark Lacey, commented: “Both Ollie and Becka have a proven track record of leading schools to a position of strength. In a short space of time, it has been gratifying to see the pupils and staff at St. Martin’s flourish. With Ollie and Becka's strong experience and commitment, parents can feel assured that their children are in capable hands.”

Both St. Peter’s and St. Martin’s are offering tours to prospective parents, particularly for Reception starters in September 2025. Other interested parents are also welcome to visit. Parents are encouraged to get in touch with the school offices to find out how to book a place.