Head teacher at troubled school steps down

6 hours ago

James RobinsonLocal Democracy Reporting Service

Teachers at the school have gone on strike over concerns around pupil behaviour

Iain Buist/NCJ Media A blue sign with white lettering for Haydon Bridge High School on a patch of grass covered with brown leaves. It is placed in front of a tree. To the right is a path leading to the school. — Teachers at the school have gone on strike over concerns around pupil behaviour

The head teacher of a struggling high school has stepped down weeks after it was put into special measures.

Northumberland County Council confirmed the head of Haydon Bridge High School, David Nisbet, took the decision after the inspection in January.

The inspection came amid strike action by staff who raised concerns about poor pupil behaviour and a lack of proper behaviour management plan from senior leadership.

Industrial action originally planned for Tuesday has been paused.

An interim executive board is set to be appointed by the council which will support future improvement, staffing and the appointment of a new head teacher.

The board will also oversee the process of turning the school into an academy.

In a statement, Nisbet said: "I have had the privilege of leading Haydon Bridge High School since September 2023.

"My commitment to the school has been unwavering during this time, however, I have now taken the decision to step back from this role."

'Improvements needed'

Chair of governors and executive directors of children's services at Northumberland County Council Audrey Kingham confirmed interim measures were being put in place immediately.

"Following the school Ofsted inspection and subsequent report, we are all very aware of the progress required and the pace at which improvement is needed," Kingham said.

"This is a strong partnership and a good opportunity that I expect everyone will embrace to drive the improvements needed."

She said Kath Pigdon would become interim executive headteacher at William Howard School and Haydon Bridge High School and Richard O'Connor would be interim head of school.

The school has endured a difficult period over the last twelve years. It was previously placed in special measures in 2014 and saw several subsequent "inadequate" ratings by the education watchdog.

A previous attempt to turn the school into an academy failed when academy trust Bright Tribe walked away in 2017, returning the school to the control of the county council.

Bright Tribe itself closed the following year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The school has also faced declining pupil numbers, with the council considering closing it in 2017.

But plans were dropped in 2018 after opposition from parents.

The school has the largest catchment area of any secondary school in England.

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