Head quits after school is slated in watchdog report (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Sarah Rogers quits as headteacher of The Clere School and Technology College

6:00pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Education By Emily Roberts

Sarah Rogers, who has quit as headteacher of The Clere School and Technology College

ANXIOUS parents have been assured that their children’s school is not at risk of closure after the headteacher suddenly quit and it was put into “special measures” after a mauling by education watchdogs.

A letter, sent to parents of The Clere School and Technology College, by Pam Burke, chairman of governors, said headteacher Sarah Rogers had decided to “step down” to “pursue her career in a new context.”

The letter was dated February 1 – the same day Ofsted published a damning report on the 690-pupil school.

The Ofsted inspection team graded the school, in Burghclere, as “inadequate” in nine areas, including leadership and management.

The letter to parents said Ms Rogers, “would like to thank the pupils, staff, parents and governors for their support.”

She is the third head of a secondary school in the area to step down in the past year following an “inadequate” judgement from Ofsted.

Peter Hutchinson, head of The Vyne Community School, in South View, Basingstoke, quit in March last year, and David Eyre, headteacher of Brighton Hill Community College, in Brighton Hill, Basingstoke took early retirement last summer after their schools were both the subject of critical reports by the education watchdog.

Parents at The Clere were told that Jonathan de Sausmarez, who is executive headteacher at The Romsey School, in Romsey, will act as headteacher until half-term.

After that, a longer term interim head will take up the post until a new headteacher is appointed.

The letter to parents said: “The local authority is working very closely with the school and a robust action plan has already been drafted.”

It assured parents that local education authority Hampshire County Council has confirmed that the school “will not be closing” and added that it is anticipated that “the school will make rapid improvements to move forward quickly.”

The chairman of governors said an information evening will be held with parents in the next few weeks, to share the “issues and actions” more fully.

Mr de Sausmarez also wrote to parents on February 2 to let them know what actions the school is now taking.

He apologised for not getting back personally to the “many communications” with parents, and added: “I hope you will understand that my focus is to get on with making those rapid improvements that were highlighted in the Ofsted report.”

He said that since joining the school on February 1, it was clear that staff and students are committed to improving it.

He added: “It is natural for parents to be concerned, and to question whether the trust you have put in the school has been broken. However, from my 17 years in senior management, and my role as a National Leader in Education, who works with numerous schools around the country, I believe The Clere School will make those changes required. I would urge parents to judge the school on how it responds over the coming weeks.”