Newark Academy principal leaves her role

The principal of The Newark Academy has left after more than three years in the post.

Karine Jasper’s departure comes after the Torch Academy Gateway Trust — which runs Toot Hill School in Bingham and has plans for a free school in Newark — was announced as the new sponsor of the school.

It will formally take over in September from current sponsors Lincoln College Academy Trust (LCAT).

Karine Jasper, previously the vice-assistant principal of Darton College, Barnsley, was appointed principal when The Grove School became The Newark Academy in November 2012.

She led its move into a new school building in January.

Vice-principal Mr John McGrath will take over until the post is filled, which the trust said it hoped would be “in the near future.”

Mr Keith Batty, chairman of LCAT, said Karine Jasper had “moved on in her career to enable the trust to continue its development of The Newark Academy.”

He added: “Karine wishes the students and staff every success in the future and believes that under the guidance of the new sponsor the school will become Newark’s first outstanding secondary provider.

“The local governing body and LCAT would like to thank Karine for the dedication and commitment she has shown to the community.

“They also recognise the work she has undertaken in ensuring student numbers are rising to fill the new-build school, which she played a significant role in securing and shaping.”