Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Head forced to retire as epilepsy symptoms return
Condition had been at bay for 10 years
A head teacher has decided with “deep sadness” to step down from her role due to the recurrence of underlying epilepsy. Angela Scully has been leading Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar for three-and-a-half years. But having been symptom-free for the past decade, Mrs Scully has suffered a recent recurrence of her condition - to the extent of it potentially hampering her leadership ability.
As a result, she has decided with “great regret” to retire as head teacher at the end of December and undergo medical treatment.
“My colleagues and students are aware of the great regret and deep sadness I feel at having come to this decision to retire from the role,” she said. “This is due to the relatively recent recurrence of epilepsy symptoms which had been long in abeyance.
“It has been an enormous privilege and a great honour for me
to work with all of our students over the past few years.” Despite stepping down from the role as head, Mrs Scully has accepted a part-time, temporary appointment with the school’s pastoral team.
She will also continue to teach her current classes until the end of the academic year in July 2021.
A letter sent to all parents on Friday morning read: “Several years ago, Angela was diagnosed with epilepsy. “While she has remained symptom free for over 10 years, she has suffered a recent recurrence over the last few months. “After consultation with her doctors, she has decided to undergo treatment. “During this process, she feels that she would no longer be able to carry out all of the many functions required of a head teacher to the best of her ability.” A selection process for a new head to take over the reins in September next year will begin shortly.
Current deputy head teacher Paul Pollard says he is “incredibly proud” to take on the caretaker role from January 1. He will remain in the position until a permanent replacement is appointed.
Of her pupils, Mrs Scully added: “They have made it very easy for me to be so extremely proud to have been their head teacher, for which I thank them. “Colleagues and students alike know my immense pride to be associated with our lovely school, to have served as their head teacher and to still be able to remain a part of this wonderful community.”