Carl Wakefield has left Plume Academy after almost a decade as the Maldon school's Executive Principal.

Mr Wakefield announced his departure several months in advance, owing to an illness which he felt could force him to semi-retire. However, after three months spent focusing on his recovery, Mr Wakefield says he is now fighting fit once again.

This week, Plume Academy students returned to school under the new joint leadership of Mrs Ruth Clark and Mr Tom Baster, who share more than three decades of experience at the academy. In addition to academic subjects, the Joint Heads look forward to the return of extracurricular activities such as school trips and productions following the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Mr Wakefield will begin work at a new school in Ongar this term, where he is looking forward to "something different".

Before his departure, Mr Wakefield was able to celebrate with Plume Academy's Sixth Form students at their A-Level results day, and Year 11 students on their GCSE results day.

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