Rossett School in Harrogate has announced the resignation of its headteacher.

Helen Woodcock had been headteacher since September 2014 but had been on leave since Christmas. An Ofsted report published in January this year said the school “required improvement”. 

The developments were announced in a letter to parents from chair of governors John Hesketh, who said acting headteacher Pete Saunders will take over for the rest of the academic year.

The school has also stated its intention to join the Red Kite Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust that includes Harrogate Grammar School.

Thanking Ms Woodcock for her contribution to the school, Mr Saunders said:

“I am proud to be leading Rossett during this time of change as we work towards our aim of providing the very best education and excellent outcomes for all our students.”

Mr Saunders added that the school was excited about its plans to join the Red Kite Learning Trust — Rossett School was one of the founder members of the Red Kite Alliance nearly 14 years ago, which was the starting point for the trust.

Mr Saunders said:

“We look forward to being part of such a strong family of schools to share our resources and expertise, and create fantastic opportunities for our students and our staff. We have no doubt that this will be a great match for both our school and the trust that will support us to achieve the excellence we strive for.”

Acting headteacher Pete Saunders

Mr Saunders will be supported in his role by Richard Sheriff and Matthew West from the Red Kite Learning Trust.

Mr Sheriff is a National Leader of Education and chief executive of the RKLT, and Mr West is an Ofsted inspector and principal of Temple Moor High School in Leeds.

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The letter to parents included a statement from Ms Woodcock in which she described Rossett as “a very special place”.

She said:

“It is a truly inclusive comprehensive school which supports all students to realise their potential, regardless of their background or the challenges in the personal lives.

“I have been privileged over the years to lead a committed and professional body of staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure that each and every student receives the highest quality of teaching and support through some of the most challenging years we have seen in education nationally.”

Mr Hesketh added: “This is only the start of our journey to being recognised as a truly outstanding school.”