Search begins for new headteacher for county’s biggest school

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GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S biggest school has begun its search for an inspirational new headteacher.

Cheltenham Bournside School is urging teachers to apply for the job after the resignation of Gareth Burton. He stepped down last month after three years in charge of the Warden Hill Road-based school.

It has 1,700 pupils, making it the biggest in the county.

Bosses have begun the recruitment process to find a new leader who would start in January 2021, if not before.

The school, which caters for children aged 11 to 18, tweeted that it wanted a new headteacher

“to take our school forward” and would welcome applications from “experienced school leaders”. It said it wanted the new person to “inspire the highest standards in all areas of school activity” and that he or she should “lead school improvement, enabling all to enjoy learning, make progress and thrive”.

In a piece on the school’s website providing candidates with information, chairman of governors Susie Dawson said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the largest school in Gloucestershire - a true comprehensive which reflects the diversity and richness of the local community.”

She added: “The governors encourage you to visit our school, if possible, for a socially distanced tour of the site. Health and hygiene protocols are fully in place.”

The school is consistently oversubscribed and, in support of local demand for school places, it expanded in September 2018 from nine-form to ten-form entry.

Gloucestershire County Council plans to build a new secondary school in nearby Leckhampton that would cater for a maximum of 900 pupils.

Members of the authority’s planning committee last month approved an application for the development, which now needs the final sign-off from the Government.