'Real wrench' to leave Kettering school says head as he announces retirement

A headteacher says it will be a ‘real wrench’ to leave a Kettering secondary school after announcing his plans to retire.

Tony Segalini is set to step down from Kettering Science Academy (KSA) after spending six years in charge of the Deeble Road school.

He will be replaced in September by Jennie Giovanelli, who has been appointed as the new principal having previously been a headteacher at Northampton’s Kingsthorpe College.

Mr Segalini will continue working for the Brooke Weston Trust in a different role until he finally retires next January, meaning he will be on hand to offer advice and support to Jennie and her team.

He said: “It will be a real wrench leaving KSA. It has been a fantastic place to work and community to serve. I’d like to think the school is in a much better position than when I inherited it, six years ago.

“To get an experienced headteacher is a real coup and I’m really looking forward to watching Jennie continue the work we have carried out.”

Andrew Campbell, chief executive officer of the Brooke Weston Trust, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to recognise Tony’s impact on KSA...the school is very close to his heart and it will be hard for him to leave a little earlier than originally planned.

"Nevertheless, we are all in agreement that the best thing for the school is to make clear start with a new leader at the beginning of the next academic year.”

Mrs Giovanelli said she is delighted to have been given the opportunity to join KSA.

She said: “Being a headteacher is the best job in the world and I am excited to start looking after and nurturing what is already great about KSA, whilst using my experience and expertise to help build on the considerable and significant work of Tony and his team over the past few years.

“I came into education because of my passion and belief that schools are the perfect place to help every person discover their own voice and give them the confidence to celebrate this. I can’t wait to start listening to the voices of children, staff, parents and the community of KSA.”