Acting headteacher steps down at Berwick Academy

The acting headteacher at Berwick Academy has stepped down with immediate effect for health reasons.
Steve Wilkes, Berwick Academy.Steve Wilkes, Berwick Academy.
Steve Wilkes, Berwick Academy.

Steve Wilkes stepped into the breach following the resignation of Alexis Widdowson last February, and has overseen steady improvements since the school was labelled inadequate by Ofsted and placed into special measures.

He will now revert back to his former role of deputy head with Tracy Hush taking on the position of acting headteacher until a permanent appointment is made. It is understood the interview process for the headship has started.

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Mr Wilkes, in a letter to parents, stated: ‘As you may or may not be aware, my recent health has not been good. This has affected my ability to do the job of acting headteacher to the level that I feel is necessary. The role is a demanding one that clearly requires total commitment, resilience and a focus that, at the moment, I am not able to provide.

‘The school has improved rapidly but this progress cannot be allowed to stall. My successor has my unreserved support and is highly equipped to carry out the role.

‘I haven’t taken the decision lightly. Temporarily leading the school has been a great honour and privilege. I hope that you know how much I, and the wider staff, want a school that the students, staff and wider community are proud of. I will not stop working for this. I also want to put on record the incredible work that the senior team, trustees and staff are doing to bring about the changes required.’