The Compass secondary ‘free school’ on the former Southwark College Bermondsey campus has appointed Lauren Thorpe as its new principal.

She has been interim principal since the departure of Tony Searle at the end of last term.

In a letter to parents, chair of governors Dale Bassett wrote:

Following a full, open recruitment process, we are absolutely confident that we have selected the right person to lead Compass School on the next stage of its journey.

I know that you will trust that we have made the best decision in the interests of the school and your children, and I am pleased that this presents an opportunity to draw a line under the disruption of the past few months and focus on the future.

Lauren and I are very excited to build on the school’s successes this year as we look forward to growing in September.