James Pape has been appointed Principal Designate of Oasis Academy Don Valley, which will be located on part of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.  He joins Oasis full time in April and will work to recruit a first-class team for the launch of the Academy. 

Previously James was Deputy Head Teacher at George Pindar School in Scarborough and in this role secured considerable recognition for work in narrowing the achievement gap between students from different backgrounds.  The school is in the top 10% of schools nationally for sustained improvement.

Oasis Academy Don Valley will be a brand new school for students aged from 2 – 16 and will be driven by a commitment to give young people the best possible start in live through delivering a first-class education and nurturing them to become active and responsible members of their families and communities.

Oasis is well-known to the wider Sheffield community having last September launched two primary academies: Oasis Academy Fir Vale in Burngreave and Oasis Academy Watermead in Shirecliffe.

As well as his previous teaching role, James is subject leader of Education and a Leadership Development Coach for the Teaching Leaders Programme, supporting the development of six middle leaders across Yorkshire and the Humber. 

James Pape says, “Our vision is to create a thriving academy that is at the heart of our community.  We will aim to create an exciting, secure and happy environment, which provides opportunities for nurturing personal growth and fostering the development of enquiring minds.

“Our Academy will be a happy and vibrant place where expectations are high, everyone is valued and encouraged to be their very best, and given opportunities to make their dreams a reality.  We are looking forward to developing links with local community organisations so that the new Academy – which will be part of the wider Don Valley development – can benefit everyone.”

Oasis Academy Don Valley will open its doors in September 2016.  There are 60 Reception places available and all admissions are co-ordinated through Sheffield City Council.

Places are also available for September 2015 for Years 1 – 4 (ages 5 – 8) and again admissions are being co-ordinated through Sheffield City Council. Applications can be found at the Academy website, www.oasisacademydonvalley.org.

Jayne Ludlam, Executive Director of Children, Young People and Families at Sheffield City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see plans for the new Oasis Academy Don Valley taking shape with the appointment of James Pape. With the building work also well under way, this is a really exciting time in the development of the academy.

“One of our main aims is to ensure all children and young people have access to the best possible educational resources and are inspired by talented teachers and school staff. It is imperative that all children young people and families achieve their full potential, by raising expectations, attainment and enabling enriching experiences.

“As a centre of sport and health excellence, I’m sure the academy will provide a great opportunity for young people to learn in a creative, exciting environment with excellent facilities. We need to ensure that all children have a great start in life and that every school is a great school, with children being engaged and involved in their learning for life, gaining training and skills for work.

“There are still places remaining for pupils to attend the school in 2015, which we would encourage parents to apply for, and we are looking forward to welcoming them at the start of the September term next year under James’ leadership.”

For further information on admissions, parents and carers should contact Sheffield City Council by calling 0114 2735766 or emailing ed-admissions@sheffield.gov.uk.