A FORMER pupil of Ferndown Middle School has become its head teacher.

Amber Barter has returned to Ferndown Middle School after working as acting head of school for Broadstone Middle, which also falls under Castleman Academy Trust. 

After her time at Broadstone Middle, she worked at schools in Wimborne and Northbourne before becoming an emergency planner for Bournemouth Council. 

Before her time back at Broadstone Middle, Gill Allen filled the role of headteacher until she decided to step down after 17 years in the post. 

Ferndown Middle School teaches more than 600 students from years 5 to 8, with the academy currently focused on making learning more accessible for vulnerable pupils. 

A lot has changed since her time at Broadstone Middle with its transformation into an academy and a wealth of experience under her belt. 

Amber said: “I never expected I would be back at the school in this capacity but I feel privileged to do so.

“I loved my time here and I want students now to feel the same,” she added.

“I really enjoyed my first term and I know we are making a huge difference in pupils’ lives because of our dedicated staff.”

As well as taking her own experiences into consideration, Amber has also been talking to parents at workshops and pick-up times to learn what pupils need to thrive. 

Rhonda Moore, CEO of Castleman Academy Trust, said: “Promoting from within our trust shows how our promotion pathway is working.”

“Amber has experience from outside education which is always beneficial, but is above all highly motivated and qualified.”

Amber said she was keen to continue to channel the goals at the heart of their academy over their four years of teaching: kindness, curiosity and ambition. 

Ferndown Middle School is populated by pupils from Ferndown First School, Parley First School and Hampreston First School.

Castleman Academy Trust has five schools; Ferndown First, Ferndown Middle, Parley First, Broadstone First, Broadstone Middle.