THE headteacher of Beaulieu Convent School has moved to reassure parents after the Island’s largest teaching union raised concerns about “outrageous” treatment of staff at the school.
In an email sent to parents on Wednesday night, Headteacher Matthew Burke responded to allegations outlined in a strongly worded statement from the NASUWT reported by the JEP.
The union accused the school’s leadership team of “shockingly un-Christian” behaviour and raised serious concerns about staff wellbeing, leadership culture, and management practices.
And NASUWT representative Marina Mauger told the JEP that she was “deeply concerned” for union members working at the school after it emerged that three senior staff members had been given redundancy notices.
While Mr Burke did not directly address the allegations, he acknowledged the “commentary that has since appeared in the public domain,” and said he was disappointed that “some have chosen to pursue internal matters publicly rather than work with us directly to address these.”
“We are especially conscious of the timing for students currently undertaking public examinations,” he wrote.
“We understand how important a sense of calm and continuity is at this time.”
Mr Burke emphasised that the school’s primary focus remained on its students.
“Beaulieu exists for the young people in our care and we are fully committed to ensuring their experience is stable, supportive and rooted in all that makes this community special,” he said.
The message follows a turbulent few years for the school, which has seen several significant top-level changes amid a period of financial difficulty, and a critical independent report.
In yesterday’s note, Mr Burke said that, while such public commentary can be “distracting” and “demand time and energy”, it would not deter the school’s leadership from delivering on its core responsibilities.
“They will not shift our collective commitment to our shared values and purpose,” he said.
Mr Burke also took the opportunity to thank members of the school community who had offered support in recent days.
“We have been heartened by many messages of support from parents and members of the community – thank you,” he wrote.
“We all want the very best for Beaulieu and for every student we serve.”
The NASUWT has said it “remains committed to supporting the excellent staff of Beaulieu and preventing history repeating itself”.
When contacted for comment by the JEP, Beaulieu said: “We are consulting our advisors and will respond when we are able to do so.”
