A HEADTEACHER has been appointed to lead a new specialist autism school.

Prosper Learning Trust has put Derek Cogle in charge at the Harry Watts Academy in Sunderland, which under construction.

He studied at Newcastle Polytechnic on a specialist degree for the teaching of children with special educational needs.

He then completed a Masters Degree in Education at Durham University and has 31 years’ experience in teaching children with special educational needs.

Mr Cogle began teaching in a school for severe learning difficulties in North Shields in 1988.

He went on to become senior teacher in a generic special school in Newcastle; acting deputy head in a residential special school in Newcastle and deputy head of a special school in Sunderland.

Over the last 17 years Mr Cogle has also been a headteacher working for three special schools in South Tyneside, Northumberland and Sunderland.

He said: “It’s a privilege working in special education and working with so many amazing children and young people, families and colleagues. No day or pupil are the same and watching success occur in individuals who experience challenges, is just wonderful. I am excited to go into work every single day.

“I have a wealth of experience of working in special education and in leading successful schools and I am very excited to be part of Prosper Learning Trust’s amazing vision for Harry Watts Academy and I am looking forward to making it a reality.”