HEATHFIELD Foundation Technology College in Cradley Heath is set to change its name to Ormiston Forge Academy from January.

The school has also appointed a new principal who will take his post in January as the school switches to become an academy.

The new name was chosen after a consultation with students, staff, parents and local residents and was picked ahead Ormiston Haden Hill Academy.

A spokesman for the school explained the relevance of the word ‘forge’ to the new academy.

He said: “This name refers to the industrial heritage in the area, including chain making and blacksmithery.

“The meaning of the word forge is also interesting as we will be able to develop the idea around moving forward, taking the lead and making progress.”

The Ormiston Trust is sponsoring the new academy and it will join 16 other schools run by the organisation across the country.

The trust has also appointed a principal designate to run the school after the retirement of popular headteacher John Parker after 26 years at Heathfield.

Andrew Burns is currently Associate Principal of Hodge Hill Sports and Enterprise College will take charge in January.

Mr Burns said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the talented staff, proud students and supportive community of the new Ormiston Academy in Sandwell to create an outstanding academy.

“I believe education is about valuing and developing the individual, maximising potential in all and fostering enjoyment through success.

“I want everyone to be enthused about education in the same way I am, to look for the positives in each young person, to build on their strengths and celebrate their successes.”

He added: “I am excited to work for Ormiston Academies Trust, which is about improving the chances of young people, to take advantages of the freedoms afforded to academies and to learn lessons from others in the Trust that have been through the process.”

Joyce Hodgetts, Managing Director of Ormiston Academies Trust said: “We are really pleased to welcome Andrew to the Ormiston family. We’re looking forward to working closely with him and all stakeholders to build on Heathfield’s past successes and support its future.”