A NUMBER of parents have formed a committee calling for an independent review of the governance at Beaulieu School following a controversial restructuring of senior management.
Earlier this week, a letter was sent to parents notifying them that Beaulieu head teacher Chris Beirne had stepped down and that secondary deputy head Paul Robinson would undertake the role of acting head teacher ‘with immediate effect’.
It also said that a new position would soon be advertised to replace that held by Mr Beirne and former head of secondary Andrea Firby.
The move comes amid criticism sparked by the latter’s recent departure.
A petition describing Mrs Firby as a ‘stalwart’ of the Beaulieu community – calling for the resignation of the school’s chief executive, chief operating officer ‘and the remaining trustees’ – has also been signed by more than 800 people.
Henry Burton, a Beaulieu School parent who is coordinating the formation of the new committee, said it is ‘vital’ that confidence exists between parents and the governance team at the very top of the school.
‘Sadly, this trust and confidence has been eroded in light of recent events and the manner in which these matters have been handled and communicated to parents.
‘Many parents now feel that any assurances provided by the current governance team are unlikely to repair that trust and confidence, and only an independent review of recent events and governance procedures can do so,’ he said.
Mr Burton explained that the committee has not been formed to coordinate any kind of protest or force the departure of any specific member of staff.
He added that the committee was seeking legal advise to understand who should carry out a review.
‘The remit of the committee is to seek an independent review of the school’s governance, specifically looking at the board of trustees and their duties of independent oversight and control of the school,’ he said.
‘The purpose of the committee is to restore trust and confidence between parents and trustees, but also to ensure that the school can emerge from the events of the past few weeks stronger than ever and continue to build on providing the excellent and nurturing education that our daughters enjoy so much,’ he added.
Another statement issued on behalf of a group of parents expressed concerned about the management of the school.
They said: ‘These concerns span across financial management, behaviour of executive leaders, transparency, communication, staff attrition and turnover, culture, and most importantly the delivery of a nurturing and quality education for our children.’
They added: ‘The management have shown very little desire to work with parents to ease our growing anxieties and there have been frequent contradictions within their communications. Despite denial by the school, it is known that there are worrying levels of attrition and staff turnover, confirmed by the Teachers’ Union.’
In a response to the statement, Pippa Davidson-Coleshill, the school’s chief operating officer, said: ‘Our parents are very much part of the Beaulieu community and we are keen to work collaboratively with them moving forward. Our students, their education and their wellbeing has always remained our priority and our relationship with our parents is paramount in ensuring they feel happy and excel at school.’
She added that parents would have the chance to raise concerns at the upcoming Parent Council meeting on 26 January.
