THE new head of a school that has suffered a “period of unprecedented turbulence and uncertainty” will be earning about half as much than their predecessor.

Colne Community School and College in Brightlingsea is set to recruit a permanent Head of School to start this Easter.

The salary would be between £70,370 and £77,613 and the head’s main job would be running the day-to-day operations of the Church Road school.

The school was led by Nardeep Sharma until he was suspended on full pay last March.

Accounts show since 2012, Mr Sharma took home a salary between £125,000 and £130,000 when he was the school’s principal.

This rose to £135,000 before he went.

By this time he was chief executive of the Thrive Partnership Academy Trust, along with Philip Morant School and College, Colchester.

He received up to £25,000 in pension contributions.

Neil Gallagher, principal at Clacton County High School, was appointed as interim executive headteacher at the Colne School and Philip Morant.

In his letter to applicants, Mr Gallagher states: “It is fair to say The Colne has been through a period of unprecedented turbulence and uncertainty over recent times.

“This eventually culminated in a complete change of leadership and governance at the school.

“We are now firmly focussed on the future, working to secure the best possible educational outcomes for the young people within the Brightlingsea area.

“The head will be crucial in rebuilding the confidence of all stakeholders in the school as well as restoring the school’s reputation within the community.”

Candidates will be shortlisted by mid-February with interviews held at the end of that month.