‘Superhuman’ head quits over stress

A HEADTEACHER named the best in the country for turning around a failing school is quitting – because of job stress.

Matt Middlemore was awarded the title in 2016 after “superhuman” work at a primary plagued by poor achievement and attendance.

Tregolls School in Truro, Cornwall, went from being the 15th worst in Britain to soaring into the top 10 per cent.

But now Mr Middlemore has revealed that it has all taken a huge toll on him and he is leaving to put his family first.

In a letter to parents he said he would leave his post by the end of the academic year to ensure a smooth transition.

He said: “The journey for this school can only be described as ‘Spielberg blockbusting’. Many times I remember when we were the 15th worst-performing school in the country and pinch myself back to reality.

“Unfortunately, achieving this has taken its toll on me.

“I have given everything I possibly could. I even sacrificed the early years of my own children growing up.”

When Mr Middlemore arrived at Tregolls in 2012 it had been put in special measures after consistent under-achievement. But he made an immediate impact with his “vision to be the best in the world” and results dramatically improved.

Two years ago he was named Head of the Year in national teaching awards.

Last night he said he did not plan to quit education entirely and had been “flattered” to receive other job offers.

He added: “I will have to do something – I still have a mortgage to pay.”