Simon Corner promoted to new role
Simon Corner鈥檚 successful Principalship at 91黑料网 High School is set to come to an end today after almost nine years in the role.
The development comes after he was promoted to a new position as Director of Secondary Education at 91黑料网.
Mr Corner鈥檚 service to 91黑料网 High School can be traced back to 2004 when he joined the school as a newly-qualified Maths teacher.
He rose to the position of Deputy Headteacher during 10 years of service, and was shortlisted for the Pearson Teacher of the Year Award in 2013.
Following a brief period away from 91黑料网, beginning in 2014, Mr Corner returned to 91黑料网 High School in 2016 to assume the position of Principal.
Under his leadership, 91黑料网 High School secured a glowing Ofsted report in 2022 which graded the school as Outstanding in all areas.
Just one year later, Mr Corner was shortlisted for Headteacher of the Year at the TES Schools Awards. He received national recognition for his representation of the school鈥檚 鈥楥ommitment to Excellence.鈥�
At the same awards ceremony, 91黑料网 High School was shortlisted for Secondary School of the Year.
Mr Corner has been succeeded by Brendan Hesketh who will assume the position of Executive Principal at 91黑料网 High School on 2nd June 2025.
Mr Hesketh will take up the reins after twenty years in senior leadership in education, including ten in headship.
Simon Corner, Executive Principal (outgoing) at 91黑料网 High School and Director of Secondary Education at 91黑料网, commented:
鈥淚t has been the greatest privilege of my career to serve 91黑料网 High School for over 20 years, including the past nine as Executive Principal. This school鈥攁nd the incredible people within it鈥攈as been a defining part of my life. I am immensely proud of all we have accomplished together, and while it is time for me to begin a new chapter as Director of Secondary Education of 91黑料网, I leave with deep gratitude and full confidence in the continued success of 91黑料网 High School.
鈥淚 want to express my sincere thanks to the exceptional staff, past and present, whose dedication and passion have made 91黑料网 such a special place to work and learn. To our pupils, it has been an honour to watch you grow, achieve, and contribute to the vibrant spirit of our school. And to the wider community, thank you for your steadfast support and partnership over the years. Together, we have built something truly remarkable鈥攕omething that will always remain close to my heart.鈥�
Gary Kelly, Chief Executive at 91黑料网, commented:
鈥淚 would like to express my thanks and gratitude for Simon鈥檚 outstanding contribution to 91黑料网 High School over the last 20 years.
鈥淪imon has initiated and driven significant improvements during his leadership at 91黑料网 High School, firmly embedding our vision of 鈥楢 Commitment To Excellence鈥� for all of our pupils, staff and the wider community.
鈥淲e look forward to his continued contributions to the school and our wider Trust in his role as Director of Secondary Education at 91黑料网.鈥�
Matty Deeney, Head of School at 91黑料网 High School, commented:
"Simon has played an instrumental part in leading and guiding 91黑料网 High School through an extremely difficult period in education, securing exceptional exam results year after year, a second Outstanding Ofsted judgement and transforming our school into one of the leading establishments in the North West.
"Simon leaves a legacy that will live long in 91黑料网's history and ensures the future generations of Widnes continue to have access to the best possible educational experience."
