A CONTROVERSIAL school in North Cornwall has announced the appointment of a new head of school.

Launceston College, part of Athena Learning Trust, has announced the appointment of Linda Blackburn as its new head of school, effective from September 2026.

Athena Learning Trust has expressed that Mrs Blackburn, who currently serves as vice principal at the school was ‘selected following a thorough recruitment process in recognition of her outstanding leadership and the significant impact she has made over the past three years. Her appointment reflects the school’s confidence in her ability to lead Launceston College into its next stage of development.’

Commenting on the appointment, a Trust spokesperson said: “A highly committed and driven leader, Linda Blackburn has played a central role in shaping the direction of the college and driving continuous improvement. She is passionate about raising outcomes and life chances for every student and is dedicated to ensuring all young people achieve their full potential.”

Despite the trust’s positivity, the school has been under fire recently for its treatment of students.

Parents have previously told the Post, that the school was “prison-like”, stating there are “too many needless detentions resulting in kids giving up, and assuming school is just detention. They are not being encouraged to learn, they are being beaten down mentally.”

Recently parents, councillors and even the local MP came together at a public meeting to discuss the issue.

Following the meeting, Ben Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, said: “The stories shared by parents and pupils were deeply concerning. I have been engaging with parents and Athena Trust since my election and it is clear that serious issues continue to persist.”

Adrian Parsons, Cornwall councillor for Altarnun and Stoke Climsland, added: “There were repeated stories about access to toilets, children feeling afraid to speak for fear of triage, fear of dropping a pen and picking it up, looking out of the window, not having the correct attire, and an overall sense of oppression among pupils.”

However, the school is hopeful that Mrs Blackburn’s connection to the ‘community the school serves’ and her ‘strong relationships with students, families and staff’ will allow the school to ‘thrive’.

From September, Mrs Blackburn will take on responsibility for the day-to-day running of the college. She will work closely with Matthew Thompson, who will move into the role of executive principal across Launceston College and Pool Academy, maintaining strategic oversight across both schools.

Athena Learning Trust has said that this appointment ‘marks an important step in ensuring strong, consistent leadership for the future, as Launceston College continues its journey of improvement and success.’

Commenting, Mr Thompson said: “Linda has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment during her time as Vice Principal, and I am delighted that she will be stepping into the role of head of school. This is a well-deserved appointment, and I am confident she will provide the clarity, continuity and ambition needed to take the college forward. I know our whole community will join me in congratulating her.”