Carl Wakefield is preparing to bid Plume Academy farewell, after eight years as the Maldon school's Executive Principal. He told Nub News about his fond highlights - and moving on to "a new adventure".

During his years of leadership at Plume Academy, the experienced principal has generated a sense of family, acceptance, and positivity within the school. He has aimed to create a safe space where students can feel respected, cared for, and appreciated.

"The most important thing about having a strong leadership is presence, either in the classroom or in the corridors," Mr Wakefield told Nub News.

"Taking the time to build great relationships with students on a regular basis through handshakes or fist bumps - or even calling the odd student out on occasion and them saying, 'alright sir, sorry, fair point'."

One of the most memorable parts of his time as Principal was the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Wakefield told Nub News he was "proud that the Academy stayed open and was a safe place for students to attend during the intensity of the pandemic".

Within the community, Mr Wakefield prides himself on being a director of the Maldon Mud Race, a member of the Rotary Club, and a Plume Library Trustee. He also attends many events linked to local businesses and to Promenade Park.

"People will often know who I am before they meet me," he says.

"I'll often attend events and people will come up and say, 'Ah, you're Carl Wakefield from Plume Academy'!"

Now looking forward to "something different" at a new Essex school, Mr Wakefield previously thought his current one might have been his last. This was due to a recent bout of ill health, which forced him off work for three months to focus on his recovery.

He revealed: "I was still working when I should have been on an operating table towards the end of February half term."

"Getting up in the morning was a struggle and my body was running at about 10 per cent capacity".

Thankfully, Mr Wakefield says he is now fighting fit once again.

His parting words for the students, staff and the local community are: "Thank you for embracing me - it has been a privilege, and the honour of my life, to lead this Academy.

"While I'm saddened to go, I go with many tremendous memories - and I go knowing that I live in a community I value greatly."

Reflecting on his time at the Academy, where he also taught maths, geography and 'personal development', Mr Wakefield says teaching was his overall highlight.

"Mr Wakefield will be greatly missed at the Academy and I wish him all the luck in the world with his new venture," Nub News reporter and Plume student Honey Lock added.

"He will be an asset to his new school from September."

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