Sue Marooney, Executive Headteacher of Durrington High School and CEO of Durrington Multi Academy Trust has been inundated with congratulations since being awarded an MBE for her distinguished services to education in Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday honours list.
Sue is the longest serving headteacher in West Sussex, having led Durrington High school for the past nineteen years. The timing of the award was even more special as Sue made an important announcement to the school this week. ‘I have been so proud and privileged to lead our brilliant school and cannot believe where the years have gone. I had never thought to stay so long but Team Durrington are so special. The school is in a really strong position, our recent highly successful OFSTED endorsing this and I want to start to spend some more time with my family so will be retiring from being Executive Head of DHS.’
Niki Thomas, Chair of trustees, DMAT said ‘Many thousands of local children have benefitted as a direct result of Sue’s unwavering commitment to excellence and her determination for them to be able to go beyond their best. Whilst all at the school are sad to see her leave DHS, we are all delighted, for the school and trust that she continues as CEO of DMAT. This will allow her to continue to support our schools and leaders and provides great continuity.’
For several months, trustees, governors and Sue have been working to put strong succession plans in place. Recruiting and retaining great staff and leaders has always been a strength. It is testament to the strength and depth of the leadership of Durrington High School that we are so pleased to share with you that Chris Woodcock (currently Head of School) and Shaun Allison (currently Director of Education DMAT) will be acting co- headteachers from September 2022. Shaun and Chris have already given over 30 years of excellent service to DHS. Sue Marooney said ‘Shaun, Chris and I have worked closely for many years. They absolutely know our children and community and they will continue to take our great school from strength to strength.’
Roy Barraclough, Chair of governors, DHS said, ‘All governors at DHS were delighted that Sue’s excellent work over the last two decades have been recognised by her being awarded the MBE. Under her leadership the school has achieved academic outcomes well above national averages, remained consistently oversubscribed and as a result the school has gained national recognition in a number of areas. On behalf of all the Durrington community past and present, we wish to express our huge gratitude and thanks to Sue for her service. Throughout her career Sue has epitomised our core values of kindness, aspiration, perseverance, and pride. Her dedication, selflessness and all she has done to transform our school will never be forgotten.’
If you have any memories of Sue that you would like to share to celebrate her time at Durrington, as a parent, student or other member of our community, please email them to Shaun Allison – sallison@durring.com.
