JAN Shadick will remain at the helm of Headlands School if the proposed £34m academy receives the necessary Government funding.

The United Learning Trust (ULT) made the announcement last night, a week after Swindon's School Organisation Committee gave the thumbs up to the academy plan.

Under the proposed scheme, Headlands and Pinehurst Infants and Junior schools will close to make way for a 0-19 academy, which will begin operating in September.

Ms Shadick, told the Adver last week that she would be joining existing staff in the new school set-up.

As academy principal she can expect to earn a six-figure salary.

Ms Shadick has been headteacher at Headlands since 2004 and was brought in to raise standards as part of the Government's Fresh Start initiative. Before then she worked in senior management at schools in Bromley and Tower Hamlets in London.

Ms Shadick told the Adver that she had experienced highs and lows during her brief spell in charge, but that Headlands' position at the foot of the national league tables 12 months ago was the "lowest point of her career".

Since then she has taken the school forward and, in the latest performance tables, the school had doubled its average of nine per cent of pupils gaining five A* to C grades in 2005, gaining 18 per cent last summer.

A recent Ofsted report on Headlands, pictured above, described her leadership as inspirational'.

Sir Ewan Harper, chief executive of ULT, said: "Local people already know the great work that Jan has done at Headlands.

"Her experience, expertise, drive and determination make her the right person to lead the academy and we are delighted that she is joining our team as principal designate of the proposed academy.

"She will bring with her the commitment and energy which is required to develop the academy and make it a leading educational establishment which benefits the whole of the community in Swindon."

And Ms Shadick said she was "proud" to continue her work as headteacher. She said: "I have been dedicated to making a difference at Headlands and am really excited about the opportunities that becoming an academy offers.

"The proposed academy gives us the chance to take the next step and create a truly excellent school for local children.

"A new purpose-built building with first-class facilities and equipment will help our students unlock their potential and make a success of their lives.

"There is a great deal of work to do and I look forward to working closely with the students, staff, parents and community of Swindon as we build a vibrant, happy and successful new academy."

Coun Garry Perkins, Swindon Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "I'm sure all staff and pupils at Headlands would agree that there has been positive progress and many achievements under her leadership - this is a good starting point for the future of the academy."

Swindon Council and ULT have until July 31 to secure Government funding for the proposed academy.

If that is arranged, Headlands and Pinehurst Infants and Juniors will officially close on August 31 and reopen the following day under the academy banner.

Building work on the new academy site at the Pinehurst People's Centre will start in September with the new facility set to open in September 2009.