Welcoming New Senior Leaders to Cowes Enterprise College

We are delighted to share exciting news about the continued strengthening of our leadership team at Cowes Enterprise College, with the appointments of both a new Executive Principal and a new Head of School.

From September, Paul Slaughter will join us as Executive Principal, bringing significant leadership experience and a strong track record of improving outcomes within Ormiston Academies Trust. Paul joins us from Ormiston Six Villages Academy in Chichester, where he has served as Principal since 2018. During his time there, he has led a successful transformation, establishing the academy as a school of choice within its community, with consistently strong Ofsted outcomes.

Paul has driven improvements across academic performance, behaviour, safeguarding and pastoral care, and is passionate about ensuring that academic excellence is matched by a strong focus on the pastoral development of every student. In his new role, he will provide strategic leadership across both schools, building on the strong foundations already in place at Cowes Enterprise College.

We are also pleased to announce that Ruth Griffiths-Nash will join us as Head of School from September 2026. Ruth brings over 20 years of experience in education and joins us from Lift Ryde Academy, where she is currently Vice Principal for Pastoral, Safeguarding and Inclusion. She also serves as Regional Safeguarding Lead for ten schools across the South West.

Having built her career on the Isle of Wight, Ruth is deeply committed to supporting children and young people across the Island to thrive both in and out of the classroom. She is passionate about creating enriching opportunities and ensuring every student feels supported, inspired and able to reach their full potential.

Together, Paul and Ruth will work closely with our leadership team to continue delivering the best possible outcomes for our students and wider community.

Paul Slaughter said:
“I am delighted to be taking on the role of Executive Principal at Cowes Enterprise College and to be working more closely with the school. There is a strong team in place and a clear commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for students. I am looking forward to working with staff, students and families to build on this and continue the positive momentum at the school.”

Ruth Griffiths-Nash added:
“I am incredibly proud and excited to be joining Cowes Enterprise College as Head of School. I have always believed that education has the power to inspire young people to chase their dreams and achieve things they may never have thought possible. I am looking forward to working alongside staff, students and families to deliver enriching opportunities that support every student to thrive academically and personally.”

We would also like to recognise the continued leadership of Vice Principal Vicky Wells, who will lead the school throughout the summer term, working closely with the senior leadership team and the Trust to ensure continuity and a smooth transition.

These appointments follow the departure of our long-standing Principal, Rachel Kitley, who took up a prestigious new role with Ofsted in April. We thank her for her significant contribution to the school and wish her every success in her new position.

As we look ahead, we remain a well-led and fully supported academy, with a clear focus on delivering the very best outcomes for all our students. We are confident that, with these new appointments, we will continue to build on our strengths and provide an exceptional education for our community.