AN INSPIRING PE teacher has found a new challenge after being told he would not return to the school in September.

Mark Templeton, alongside two other long-standing teachers, was told there was not a place for him to return to school for the new year after budget constraints had tied the headteacher’s hands.

But a new opportunity has presented itself to Mark, who parents described as the soul of the school, to continue to work encouraging children to take part in sports.

The experienced teacher will be joining the Create Development team as the lead for school based support in Somerset. He will work closely with Create Development and Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) to provide joined up development and support for schools across Somerset.

RELATED: Support for three North Town teachers facing redundancy

Mr Templeton said: “Although I am sad to be leaving North Town I hope that my new role with Create Development will enable me to support teachers and schools to further develop high quality physical education and sport across Somerset.

“I am delighted to be able to work with North Town as one of my schools and help children to be happy, active and confident.”

Ronnie Heath, managing director of Create Development, said: “Mark is a fantastic addition to the team. He has already delivered some initial training for subject leaders and now the opportunity for him to work full time will transform the support we offer to schools.

“At a time when we are launching real legacy and the exciting online learning platform, Mark will provide essential on the ground support for schools to truly embed the Create approach.

“Teachers love to work with other teachers who have true empathy.

"Mark has that special skill to align with the schools’ own values and vision.”