Familiar Face Leads Castle Primary into the New School Year

a woman with blonde hair and wearing a grey top is standing in front of a bookcase. she is smiling with three school pupils in front of her. They are all wearing white tops and grey skirts or trousers or leggings.

Pupils at Castle Primary School in Keynsham have been welcomed by a new Headteacher, but familiar face, as Kelly Sessions takes on a new role to lead the school.

Kelly has been Deputy Headteacher at the primary school since September 2020 and was part of the team that turned it from an Ofsted judgment of Requires Improvement, to Good with Outstanding elements in 2023. Kelly was Co-Headteacher alongside Chris Cannings last academic year.

Kelly said:

“I am excited to be taking on the role of Headteacher at a school I know and love. Having previously been Deputy and Co-Head last year, I know the hard work that takes place every day to ensure Castle is a great school. I am looking forward to continue to work with our whole school community to build on this success, embrace new opportunities and ensure our pupils continue to Thrive and Learn.”

Kelly will be replacing Chris Cannings who led the school for eight years. He has been appointed Director of School Improvement for The Partnership Trust, the Multi-Academy Trust to which Castle belongs. His new role will involve working across the 17 primary, first and special schools in the Trust, based in Radstock.

Emily Massey, CEO of The Partnership Trust said:

“Congratulations to Kelly on her appointment as Headteacher of Castle Primary School, and to Chris in his new role as Director of School Improvement. Kelly has played a key role in guiding the school through a period of growth and success and I am delighted that she will now lead Castle into its next chapter.”