THE headteacher of Murray’s Road Junior School is stepping down from the post at half term in February to return to classroom teaching.
Steve Taylor has been in charge of the school, which has 201 pupils on the register, for 15 years.
Recent periods of ill health have prompted his decision. Although sad to be leaving Murray’s Road, Mr Taylor said his decision was in the best interests of both the school and his own long-term health. He is pleased that he will remain in education and is looking forward to once again working as a primary teacher without the additional stresses and challenges that headship naturally brings.
Martin Barrow, Director of Education with the Department of Education and Children, thanked Mr Taylor for his long service to the school, saying: ‘He has taken a difficult decision and I know it has been significantly influenced by his wish to ensure that Murray’s Road is able to move forward under consistent leadership.’
He wished Mr Taylor every success with his return to classroom teaching.
Mr Taylor’s decision means the Department of Education and Children is able to move forward with its long-term aim of combining Murray’s Road with its feeder infant school, Ballaquayle, under a single headteacher.
Linda Green, headteacher at Ballaquayle since 1998, will head both schools with immediate effect and in the coming months the Department will take the necessary action to formally amalgamate the schools.
Mr Barrow commented: ‘The Department feels there is much to gain from joining these schools under a single headteacher. In particular, the move should ensure even greater continuity and consistency for the children as they move between the two sites.’
Mr Barrow said the move wasn’t driven by financial constraints.
‘This model was under consideration well before the current economic difficulties and the decision is based on educational rather than financial reasons,’ Mr Barrow said. ‘In the short term, we see few if any financial saving from this and even in the longer term any saving is likely to be minimal.’
Speaking about her expanded role, Mrs Green commented: ‘I am delighted and excited to have been given this opportunity to bring the two schools together. I see my role over the next year or so very much about establishing a single identity for the two schools so that pupils are able to progress smoothly from Key Stage 1 at Ballaquayle to Key Stage 2 at Murray’s Road.’
Mrs Green said she was looking forward to working with staff, pupils and parents at Murray’s Road in her new role while providing leadership for those she already works with at Ballaquayle.
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