Heading for Blue Coat history

Oct 26 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

Outside the Blue Coat school, in Wavertree, Liverpool _240

LIVERPOOL’S prestigious Blue Coat School has appointed the first female headteacher in its 300-year history.

Deputy head and maths teacher Debbie Silcock has taught at the Blue Coat since 2000 and will become its 25th head from the start of the next school year.

As part of the nationwide search to fill the role, the school stressed it needed a new leader that will “play a vital role in shaping our destiny for the next 300 years”.

Mrs Silcock had previously taught for 22 years at Caldy grammar school, and takes the mantle of head at Blue Coat from Sandy Tittershill, who will retire next summer.

Speaking of her appointment, she told the Daily Post: “Obviously, this is a very prestigious school with a lot of history. Although I am very pleased to have been appointed, I would always hope they simply picked the best person for the job.

“Saying that, I do think the school is ready for a headteacher as opposed to a headmaster. I am aware I am the first female in the role and I hope that will make me a good role model for the girls in the school. To let them see there are no barriers to them – that to me is really important.”

The school stopped accepting boarders in 1990, the year girls were readmitted to the sixth form only.

In September 2002 – the first time in more than 50 years – girls were admitted to the school alongside boys following an entrance examination.

The co-ed ethos is of particular importance to Mrs Silcock, now the school has produced “home grown girls” who entered at year 8 and have now graduated.

The school is currently at the beginning of its own 300th anniversary celebrations, which will continue throughout the 2007-08 school year.

The Liverpool Blue Coat School was founded by benefactors in 1708.

Two major projects, made possible by the school’s attempts to raise £1m, will mark the milestone for the generations to come – the opening of an Astroturf sports pitch, which is now in use, and the refurbishment of the school’s east wing for sixth form study space.

There will be two celebratory concerts and a dinner at the town hall among other celebratory events.

Mrs Silcock said: “It is certainly an exciting time for the school and we have raised a lot of money, around £750,000.

“One of the biggest things to do is to improve the ITC facilities and communication around the school.

“I am hoping to improve the curriculum and get more subjects in – looking to build up our specialism and expand the sciences, philosophy, environmental science and ideally, another language.”

vickyanderson