Headteacher of ‘troubled’ primary school steps down
School was given warning notice earlier this year
THE headteacher of a troubled primary school has announced that she has stepped down.
Cath Allison confirmed in a letter to parents that she has left the senior post at Hinckley Parks Primary – formerly Holliers Walk.
The school was given a warning notice by Leicestershire County Council earlier this year for poor key stage one performance and a number of parents had raised concerns about their children’s education.
A number had taken their children out of the school to send them elsewhere.
An investigation by the local authority in 2016 over concerns senior members of staff at the school, including Mrs Allison, were involved in “prolonged and systematic bullying” of fellow staff found no evidence of deliberate bullying.
However, it said relationships between senior management needed to improve.
The school is due to become an academy and part of the Owls (Oadby, Wigston and Leicestershire Schools) Trust.
Mrs Allison, and her acting replacement Jane Cook posted messages on the school’s website yesterday.
Mrs Allison said: “I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked with your wonderful children, whose boundless enthusiasm to do their best and attitudes to others have made this role so enjoyable, not to mention there never being a dull moment.
“Over the past five years the school has faced many challenges and developments, both on a national and local level – the most recent being academisation.
“I feel very strongly that joining the Owls Academy Trust will provide the school with the appropriate support to allow for continued school improvement.
“I’m leaving the school in a strong position to face future challenges.
“I’m very proud to have been part of Hinckley Park’s/Holliers Walk’s long history and wish the school every success for the future.
“I’d like to thank you and your children for all the support you have given myself over the past five years.”
Ms Cook told parents: “Mrs Allison has been our headteacher for more than five years and we wish her well for the future.
“The governing body will be working closely with the local authority and the Owls Academy Trust to support the school and to take immediate steps to advertise for a new headteacher.
“We hope to make an appointment at the earliest opportunity.”
Addressing parental concerns earlier this summer, Mrs Allison said no more than 30 pupils had transferred and many more were joining in September.
She said the school had a staff of 60 and consequently had a higher number of staff changes than you might see in a smaller school.
The school is due to become part of the Owls (Oadby, Wigston and Leicestershire Schools), which runs a number of schools across the area.
Peter Merry, chief executive of the trust, said last month: “We are working closely with the local authority to ensure a smooth transition.”