Headteacher quits struggling school (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Headteacher quits struggling school

2:53pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in News

A HEADTEACHER whose school in Clacton was branded “inadequate” by inspectors has quit.

Nigel Chapman stood down as head of Ravenscroft Primary School.

The 200-pupil school was ordered to improve by education watchdog Ofsted in January last year.

But it continued to perform badly in an inspection earlier this year despite “satisfactory” improvements in English and mathematics.

Deputy head Elaine Rendall said: “We are sorry to announce the departure of Mr Chapman who left the school on Friday.

“His intention to leave the school is not connected to the recent Ofsted report and had previously been communicated to parents and pupils.

“While Mr Chapman was supported in his decision, it is now critical that the school looks forward to the future and puts in place measures to improve its results.”

Steven Elliot, 37, of St Johns Road, has four children at the school.

He said: “We were given a school letter on Friday saying he was leaving so it was very short notice.

“My kids have been doing better here than at their last school even though it had a better report.

“It will take time to change but I think the school is going in the right direction.”

Dave Cornerford, 55, of Grigson Drive, whose son has been at the school for just two weeks, said: “The school needs a fresh start but that can only happen with the right staff.”