Last updated 13:39, Thursday, 24 April 2008

The principal of West Cumbria’s first academy school has been appointed. Barrie Cooper will become the principal and chief executive of West Lakes Academy when it opens in September.

Barrie Cooper: Vetted by pupils

Barrie has a career in education spanning 30 years.

In 1997, he was appointed principal of Devon’s Chulmleigh Community College, which gained business enterprise status – and business is one of the specialist areas the West Lakes Academy will focus on.

Four years ago Mr Cooper became head of Nether Stowe High School in Lichfield, which opened an autistic unit last January.

Mr Cooper will work two days a week in Cumbria until September to help prepare for its opening.

He was chosen following an extensive interview process, which saw shortlisted candidates scrutinised by panels of experts and pupils.

West Lakes Academy, which is enrolling 1,150 pupils, will operate from existing Wyndham School buildings.

It will specialise in science and business enterprise.

A new £25m purpose-built academy complex will be constructed on the Egremont site and is expected to be operational by 2011.