William Barcroft Junior School

29^th January 2009

Dear parents and carers,

At the beginning of this month I was offered the post of Headteacher in an all-through primary school in a neighbouring local authority.  I have now accepted that offer and the governors of William Barcroft yesterday accepted my resignation from my current post of head at this school.  I start my new job after the Easter holiday.

I am proud to leave the school in good shape:  The best level 4+ results ever; the third highest school in the local authority in terms of the proportion of pupils making at least two levels progress; and finances in a healthy state. 

 The feedback from parents’ and children’s questionnaires is highly positive, showing that, though children are expected to work hard, they enjoy their learning, they feel safe, and they are taught how to live healthily.  Both parents and children agree that the teaching is good and that children are well cared for at the school. 

 I am leaving behind a highly committed and highly skilled staff team.  They have worked tirelessly to ensure the personal development and educational achievement of each and every child in this school.  In addition, governors have created and maintained the culture in which William Barcroft has flourished.  Without this the school would not be where it is now.

 At the core of the school are the children and their parents and carers.  The successes of the school, and of each child in it, belong to you.  Together we have invested our care and skills to help each child on their learning journey – realising ambitions and overcoming difficulties.  I thank you for that.

 Of course, I will miss everyone when I leave.  After a decade in the job though, I believe it is right for all parties that I move on.  I still have so much to learn and so much to do.  I believe that the Head Teacher is also the Head Learner and continuing my own learning journey is the example that I leave.

 As Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Sargent will act as Headteacher from the start of the summer term.  Governors will decide when the permanent post of Headteacher should be advertised.

 Yours sincerely

 Christine Lacey

Headteacher