THE acting headteacher of a secondary school which successfully campaigned against its proposed closure has confirmed he has been given the job permanently.

The Deanes School, in Daws Heath Road, Thundersley, was earmarked for closure by Essex County Council in 2013 due to the authority claiming it was suffering with declining pupil numbers.

However, in 2014 the Government overturned the council’s decision to close the school after a huge campaign backed by the Echo.

Headteacher Jan Atkinson, who spearheaded the campaign, stepped down at Easter 2015, with Desi McKeown taking on the role on an interim basis.

Since the school's future was secured, Mr McKeown has worked to secure its conversion to academy status by joining a suitable academy trust.

In a public notice published in the Echo today, Mr McKeown, who confirmed the completion of the academy conversion process, also announced he had been appointed headteacher on a permanent basis.

He said: "Over the last few weeks there have been significant changes at the Deanes. From October 1, the Deanes converted to an academy with the Challenger Multi-Academy Trust (CMAT).

"Over the coming weeks and months, students will benefit in many ways. one of the main advantages for our students will be the opportunities to learn outside the classroom. through participation in a wide range of co-curricular activities, events and educational visits, our children will develop the social and life skills that will stand them in good stead through their adult life.

"I also have great pleasure in announcing that last week the trustees of CMAT and the governing body appointed me as the permanent headteacher of the Deanes. I will ensure that our rapid improvement is sustained through our focus on the needs of individual students and targeted support.

"I would like to thank all of our community for its support over the past few years and we look forward to continuing our work with you."