Headteacher update

Here is the text of the letter I sent to families on 30th January:

Dear parents and carers,

I'm writing to let families know that I have made the decision to retire at the end of this academic year. I told the staff about this yesterday and informed the children in our assemblies this morning.

Our children are so lucky to attend such a lovely school; the Ashmead community is very special. It has been an honour, alongside Jane, to lead the school; we both know how special the Ashmead community is. Every school has a vision and values but I do think it's a rare school where these are so palpable.

Over the last 14 years it has been a privilege to get to know the hundreds of children that have attended here; I have tried to lead a school where they are at the centre of everything we do. I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside lots of amazing staff too; whenever we ask the children what makes Ashmead special often the first thing they talk about is our staff. In talking to staff and children yesterday and today I’ve told them how grateful I am to have known them and how much I will miss them. I want to thank our parents and carers as well as you are also a big part of why this is such a special place; your support has been invaluable.

The vision that Jane and I have worked towards is that children know they are both loveable and capable. We want all children achieving brilliantly but knowing that their self-worth does not depend on this. How lucky I have been to have had such a brilliant partner in leading the school. We are 'officially' co-headteachers this year but most of you will know that has been Jane’s unofficial position for years now. After so many years at the school it has been hard to adjust to not being here on my non-working days but knowing the school is in such capable hands in my absence has made all the difference.

As the governors agreed our co-headteacher partnership for one year only there will be an application process for the headteacher post. The advert will go out in the next week or so, with a decision due to be made in March. We will update you about the decision the governors have made regarding the position then.

Thank you,

Sean