A second interim head teacher will take over the running of a Brighton primary school after the half-term holiday, parents were told yesterday (Wednesday 8 October).
Rachel Kershaw will take over as interim head of Middle Street Primary School, in Brighton, from Andy Richbell, who stepped in at the start of the autumn term last month.
Both were appointed to cover the absence of head teacher Rob Cooper. No reason has been given for his absence and no date set for his return.
The school is believed to have become the first school in Brighton and Hove to be run by an interim executive board.
The board was appointed before the summer holidays in place of the governors to run the school which is on course for a £276,000 budget deficit in the current financial year.
A number of parents withdrew their children about a year ago although the most recent figures published by Brighton and Hove City Council said that the school was 89 per cent full.
The school, like many in Brighton and Hove, has struggled to fill all its places and, instead of one class per year group, now has some classes with children from more than school year.
In a letter to parents, Anne Allison, the chair of the school’s interim executive board (IEB), said: “As you may be aware, Andy Richbell kindly stepped into the role of interim head teacher at Middle Street at very short notice.
“He will be returning after half term to his substantive post at St Nicolas Primary school, in Portslade.
“We are extremely grateful to him for the dedication and support he has shown to the school over the past month.
“Rob Cooper remains absent and it is important that we continue to ensure strong leadership and support for the school following the half-term break.
“Middle Street is a valued member of a local partnership of schools, and we have asked them to provide support in Rob’s absence.
“We are pleased to share that Rachel Kershaw, a member of the IEB and an experienced head teacher from St Margaret’s Primary School, in Rottingdean, has agreed to take on the role of interim executive head teacher.
“Rachel will lead Middle Street for as long as necessary, providing stability and continuity.
“She will be joined by Michelle May, currently an assistant head teacher at Fairlight Primary School, who will take on the role of interim head of school at Middle Street Primary School.
“We are exceptionally lucky Rachel and Michelle have been able to commit to these roles and we look forward to working with them both.
“Rachel and Michelle will be writing to introduce themselves in due course.”
