Simon Corner promoted to new role

Simon Corner’s successful Principalship at Wade Deacon High School is set to come to an end today after almost nine years in the role.

The development comes after he was promoted to a new position as Director of Secondary Education at Wade Deacon Trust.

Mr Corner’s service to Wade Deacon High School can be traced back to 2004 when he joined the school as a newly-qualified Maths teacher.

He rose to the position of Deputy Headteacher during 10 years of service, and was shortlisted for the Pearson Teacher of the Year Award in 2013.

Following a brief period away from Wade Deacon, beginning in 2014, Mr Corner returned to Wade Deacon High School in 2016 to assume the position of Principal.

Under his leadership, Wade Deacon High School secured a glowing Ofsted report in 2022 which graded the school as Outstanding in all areas.

Just one year later, Mr Corner was shortlisted for Headteacher of the Year at the TES Schools Awards. He received national recognition for his representation of the school’s ‘Commitment to Excellence.’

At the same awards ceremony, Wade Deacon High School was shortlisted for Secondary School of the Year.

Mr Corner has been succeeded by Brendan Hesketh who will assume the position of Executive Principal at Wade Deacon High School on 2nd June 2025.

Mr Hesketh will take up the reins after twenty years in senior leadership in education, including ten in headship.

Simon Corner, Executive Principal (outgoing) at Wade Deacon High School and Director of Secondary Education at Wade Deacon Trust, commented:

“It has been the greatest privilege of my career to serve Wade Deacon High School for over 20 years, including the past nine as Executive Principal. This school—and the incredible people within it—has been a defining part of my life. I am immensely proud of all we have accomplished together, and while it is time for me to begin a new chapter as Director of Secondary Education of Wade Deacon Trust, I leave with deep gratitude and full confidence in the continued success of Wade Deacon High School.

“I want to express my sincere thanks to the exceptional staff, past and present, whose dedication and passion have made Wade Deacon such a special place to work and learn. To our pupils, it has been an honour to watch you grow, achieve, and contribute to the vibrant spirit of our school. And to the wider community, thank you for your steadfast support and partnership over the years. Together, we have built something truly remarkable—something that will always remain close to my heart.”

Gary Kelly, Chief Executive at Wade Deacon Trust, commented:

“I would like to express my thanks and gratitude for Simon’s outstanding contribution to Wade Deacon High School over the last 20 years.

“Simon has initiated and driven significant improvements during his leadership at Wade Deacon High School, firmly embedding our vision of ‘A Commitment To Excellence’ for all of our pupils, staff and the wider community.

“We look forward to his continued contributions to the school and our wider Trust in his role as Director of Secondary Education at Wade Deacon Trust.”

Matty Deeney, Head of School at Wade Deacon High School, commented:

"Simon has played an instrumental part in leading and guiding Wade Deacon High School through an extremely difficult period in education, securing exceptional exam results year after year, a second Outstanding Ofsted judgement and transforming our school into one of the leading establishments in the North West.

"Simon leaves a legacy that will live long in Wade Deacon's history and ensures the future generations of Widnes continue to have access to the best possible educational experience."