Trust denies suspension rumours around absent Copley principal

The head teacher of Copley Academy is suddenly absent from the failing school as it struggles to turn around its fortunes.

Mrs Sarah Gregory had been in the role of principal since January 2018, but Copley was rated ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted and placed in special measures following an inspection last October.

A follow-up inspection in April slammed the school’s improvement plan as “not fit for purpose” and said weaknesses remained at “every level of leadership.”

Now, principal Mrs Sarah Gregory and her deputy, Jo Walker-Maxey are ‘unavoidably absent’ from school.

Great Academies Education Trust, which runs Copley, says their absences are unconnected. They also added that social media reports of suspensions of members of staff and police involvement are incorrect.

They’ve been replaced by acting principal Kenwyn Paddy and his deputy, Danielle Williams, who started on Monday having arrived from the Rodillian Trust in West Yorkshire.

In a letter sent to parents and carers, Alison Crompton CBE, CEO of the Great Academies Trust which runs Copley, said: “Mrs Gregory and her deputy Ms Walker-Maxey are both unavoidably absent from school. This has necessitated interim arrangements for leadership.

“I understand parents’ concerns particularly, as we are facing significant challenge to improve the quality of education for all your children.

“I want to reassure parents that we have secured experienced senior leaders to fill these positions.

“Mr Kenwyn Paddy will be acting principal and Ms Danielle Williams the acting deputy. Both Mr Paddy and Ms Williams have significant senior leadership experience working with the Rodillian Trust in West Yorkshire.

“We have specifically approached Rodillian because of their excellent track record in helping schools improve rapidly.

“I have put these arrangements in place as quickly as possible to ensure the smooth running of the school and informed you at the earliest possible opportunity.”

“Thank you in anticipation of your continued support.”

Following Ofsted’s follow-up inspection in April, Mrs Gregory told the Tameside Reporter that her and her staff remained resilient and laser focused on the future.

“As Principal I feel my responsibilities keenly and I continue to be unswerving in my focus to give all I have to deliver the very best for our Copley community,” she said at the time.