Millside Spencer Academy appoint Sophia Thorne as first Principal
Spencer Academies Trust are delighted to announce the appointment of Sophia Thorne, as the first Principal of the Trust’s newest Primary School Millside Spencer Academy. Based in the heart of East Leake, the Academy will cater for the newly developed housing and growing community within the village.
On becoming the first Principal at Millside Spencer Academy Sophia said, ‘As an East Leake resident it means a lot to me to become the new Principal and especially the first. I really want to establish Millside as a really happy and effective school, where children can come and be educated locally, walk to school and come and be part of their community.
I want to give the children a real love of learning, from their earliest point, from the first day they enter through our doors. I want them to learn that school is a really safe and caring place to be.’
On Sophia’s appointment Angela O’Brien OBE, Spencer Academies Trust Director of Primary, said,
‘Sophia brings a wealth of experience and knowledge having taught in the East Leake area throughout her career. We are extremely fortunate to have her on board to lead Millside Spencer Academy into becoming an essential part of the local community, where children can develop their love of learning and enjoy school life.’
Sophia’s teaching journey began as a teaching assistant working with children who really struggled with behaviour in mainstream school, after a few years she decided she wanted to lead the classroom, and become a Primary School teacher.
After graduating from University as a mature student with three young children, she landed her first role in a local school. Sophia thrives on working in Education and strives to become the best leader she can,
‘I love the difference you make every day, I love being on the playground greeting children in the morning, I love them knowing my name, knowing who I am and coming to share their anecdotes with me, whether it’s someone coming over for tea that night, or what they did at the weekend. Making the difference every day, and having that impact on children is what matters most to me. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the other leaders in the Trust to get Millside ready for action to welcome our first pupils in September.
Millside Spencer Academy will be the 26th addition to the Spencer Academies Trust family, and with that Sophia will form part of the Primary team, she said, ‘I am really excited- I have never been part of an Academy Trust before, I am looking forward to becoming part of a team and working together in collaboration to create a really unique school for the village.’
Outside of work Sophia has a keen interest in staying active, whether that’s running or walking her dog and spending lots of time outside with her family. She also is a huge football fan and is a season ticket holder at her local football club.
Sophia starts with the Trust after Easter so please keep an eye out for the Meet the Principal dates.