Hatfield headteacher resigns with immediate effect
Michael Harpham has resigned from Onslow St Audrey's School in Hatfield. Photo: supplied by Onslow St Audrey's School - Credit: supplied by Onslow St Audrey's S
The headteacher of Onslow St Audrey’s School in Hatfield has stepped down, citing “personal reasons”.
Chairman of the governors Raymond Little said: “Onslow St Audrey’s Governing Body has agreed to Mr Michael Harpham’s decision to leave his position as headteacher for personal reasons, with immediate effect.
“The governors would like to record their thanks for his dedication over the last three and a half years to putting
Onslow St Audrey’s at the heart of the community it serves.
“He has worked tirelessly in supporting the school’s transformation, positively impacting the lives of all our young people.
“Parents, staff and students have been informed and the governing body will now carry out a thorough and robust process to recruit the highest quality candidate.
“In the short term, Mr Bird and Mrs Casotti, the deputy headteachers, will jointly take up the role of acting headteacher to ensure students’ education will not be affected.”
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Mr Harpham became headteacher at Onslow St Audrey’s School on September 1 in 2014.
Prior to that he had been deputy head at Islington Arts and Media School, which is a comprehensive school for boys and girls in North Islington.
In February last year, Onslow St Audrey’s School was visited by Ofsted inspectors who found that it ‘required improvement’.
Following the publication of the report, Mr Harpham told the Welwyn Hatfield Times: “Even though there is a sense of disappointment with the overall grading, what is clear is that Ofsted recognise we have already implemented robust protocols and these are having a demonstrable impact.
“The goals set by the inspectors are more than achievable and I am confident that by the next inspection, Ofsted will be impressed by improvements at the school across the board.
“It is a testament to everyone working at Onslow St Audrey’s that the inspectors commended the safe, supportive and aspirational environment we have created.
“I am also proud that the inspectors recognised the maturity of our students; they are truly excellent ambassadors for the school.”
•MORE: Investigation into science grades at Onslow St Audrey’s
•MORE: Housing plans on Onslow St Audrey’s land
•MORE: Hatfield’s Onslow St Audrey’s told to improve by Ofsted
