THE headteacher of a school that was judged 'inadequate' a term after he took over has decided to stand down.

Adrian Parsonage is leaving Holy Trinity Primary School, in Taunton, after an academy trust was appointed to take over.

The school was placed in special measures in January, with an interim executive board (IEB) put in place to oversee planned improvements.

IEB chairman Steve Beynon has written to parents this week to tell them that Redstart Learning Partnership, based in South Somerset, has been appointed "the sponsor" for Holy Trinity.

He added: "The IEB will be working with the diocese (of Bath and Wells) and Somerset County Council throughout the summer term to complete all the necessary processes that are entailed.

"We will be aiming for the process to be complete by August 31 or a date as soon as practicable thereafter."

Redstart bosses are holding a meeting for parents and carers at the school on Monday (April 24) at 7pm, when chief executive Suzanne Flack and other representatives "will outline their vision for the future of the school".

Mr Beyon added: "We can confirm that Adrian Parsonage has decided to step down as headteacher.

"The IEB would like to place on record their thanks to him for all his hard work and commitment, especially during the challenges the schools has faced following the OFSTED outcome, and wish him well for the future."

Ms Flack will take on the role of executive principal with immediate effect to ensure a smooth transfer to the Redstart trust.

"This will enable her to work with the IEB and senior leaders to ensure that the strategic planning for the medium term begins straight away," said Mr Beynon.

OFSTED inspectors reported in January that.

  • the quality of education at Trinity had "deteriorated" as the leaders had not ensured teaching enabled pupils to achieve well.
  • the leadership team was incapable of making improvements "with the required urgency".
  • the rate of progress of disadvantaged pupils was too slow.
  • children with special educational needs were underachieving.
  • too many pupils were falling behind due to targets not being challenging enough.
  • the quality of teaching, learning and assessment was inadequate.
  • the most able pupils were not given opportunities to extend their learning.
  • early years pupils were not achieving well.
  • some pupils did not behave well.

The report added that Mr Parsonage was starting to make "important changes".