Bury Grammar School (BGS) has appointed a new head of its primary division.

The Tenterden Street school has recruited "standout candidate" Aleksander Charlesworth for the role, which he will start in September.

Mr Charlesworth, the school's current academy deputy head with 17 years of experience in independent primary education, will take over from BGS' first primary principal Chrissy Howard, who will retire at the end of the academic year.

Bury Times: Aleksander CharlesworthAleksander Charlesworth (Image: Bury Grammar School)

Bury Times: Mr Charlesworth with studentsMr Charlesworth with students (Image: Bury Grammar School)

Bury Times: Mr Charlesworth with a studentMr Charlesworth with a student (Image: Bury Grammar School)

He said: "I am truly honoured to be the new head of BGS primary division from September 2024, and I am excited to work alongside our dedicated staff, pupils, and parents, continuing to ensure every pupil will flourish academically, socially, and pastorally.

"Together, we will aim to inspire a lifelong love of learning, ensuring our pupils reach their full potential and have some fun along the way too!

"With such a well-established team in place and strong foundations underpinning educational provision, I am really looking forward to a positive future for our pupils.

"It will be a privilege to lead the primary division and play a role in whole school three to 18 development.” 

Bury Times: Mr Charlesworth with studentsMr Charlesworth with students (Image: Bury Grammar School)

Bury Times: Mr Charlesworth with a studentMr Charlesworth with a student (Image: Bury Grammar School)

The school said Mrs Howard led by example and leaves behind a "legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire us all".

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BGS principal Jo Anderson said: “I am delighted that Mr Charlesworth is going to be taking over the reins from Mrs Howard as our new head of primary division.

"Following a rigorous recruitment process, he was the standout candidate, given his previous grammar school experience and his thorough knowledge of and deep affection for Bury Grammar Primary Division.

"We are very lucky that our parents, the whole staff team, and our pupils already know Mr Charlesworth and that he has so many ideas for the future in keeping with the ethos and atmosphere which we so cherish.

"I wholeheartedly look forward to working with Mr Charlesworth and together achieving great things for the primary division and our school.”