St Ivo Academy in St Ives has announced that Principal Tony Meneaugh will leave the school at the end of the autumn term. Meneaugh, who joined as interim principal in September 2023 before being confirmed in post in July 2024, said he was proud to leave the school in what he described as “a very positive place.”
During his time at the helm, Meneaugh has overseen significant improvements, including a ‘good’ Ofsted rating, record-breaking GCSE results and the opening of a new, state-of-the-art Sixth Form centre.
In a letter to families, he thanked staff, students, and parents for their support.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and opportunities at St Ivo over the past few years, and it is now time for me to move on,” he said.
“Although I will miss my amazing staff team, students and their families, I am leaving the school in a really positive place. For me, leadership has always been about getting the best out for our students. I strongly believe that a good education is the passport to a brilliant future, and giving students the opportunity to be their very best is the most important part of education.”
Meneaugh’s leadership came at a crucial moment for St Ivo, which had faced scrutiny from parents before his arrival. A parents’ forum, set up in 2023 to raise concerns about behaviour, staffing, and wellbeing, had called for significant improvements. Many of those issues were addressed during Meneaugh’s tenure, with the school stabilising and gaining recognition from Ofsted for its progress.
Rowena Hackwood, Chief Executive Officer of Astrea Academy Trust, which runs St Ivo, praised his impact.
“On behalf of everyone at St Ivo, I would like to thank Tony for all the improvements he has made, from securing the school’s ‘Good’ Ofsted, the fantastic GCSE results and a brand new Sixth Form centre for the young people of the community. Tony has led St Ivo through so many positive changes over the last two academic years, and we wish him lots of success in the future.”
Astrea Academy Trust, which oversees 26 schools across South Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire, will now begin the process of recruiting a new leader. The aim is to appoint a successor ready to take up post in January 2026, ensuring a smooth transition.
Meneaugh brought more than 15 years of senior leadership experience to St Ivo, having previously served as Vice Principal and Safeguarding Lead at Longsands Academy in St Neots, also part of Astrea, and as Senior Deputy Headteacher at The Deepings School. His track record includes contributing to improved Ofsted ratings at every school where he has held leadership roles.
Reflecting on his departure, Meneaugh emphasised the central mission that has shaped his career: giving every student the chance to thrive. His successor will inherit a school with strong exam results, enhanced facilities, and a renewed sense of confidence—though the parents’ forum has yet to comment on the news.
For now, the focus turns to the future. The search for St Ivo’s next principal is underway, but Meneaugh’s tenure will be remembered as a period of rapid improvement and lasting change.
