Head quitssuddenly just beforestart ofnew term

THE headteacher of a controversial Yorkshire school has quit abruptly before the start of the new term.

Chris Straker wrote to parents, teachers and governors of Endeavour High School in Hull letting them know he was resigning his position and would not be returning to the school.

Deputy head Louise Wilson has been appointed as acting headteacher while Mr Straker serves his notice.

Judith Harwood, Hull City Council’s Head of Learning, Participation and Skills, said: “Mr Straker, governors and the local authority are pleased with the progress being made by the school and Mr Straker is leaving to pursue other career interests. He will be spending some time this term supporting other projects and programmes within the city.”

Mr Straker will spend the next 12 weeks on secondment to Hull City Council and the Hull Centre for Restorative Practices.

In a copy of the letter sent to parents by Mr Straker, seen by the Yorkshire Post, the outgoing head said: “I am very sad to be leaving the school but I feel the timing is right for both myself and the school.

“My disappointment is that I am not able to address the whole school and tell the pupils personally; and that you are receiving this letter so late in the holidays just before term starts.

“This unfortunately was due to circumstances that were out of my control.”

Earlier this year a teacher at the troubled school, Robert Harrison was arrested over alleged sexual offences and is currently on police bail.

The 15m school was seen as a flagship development when it was opened nine years ago but the school has since found itself in special measures twice with education chiefs in the city recently admitting it had effectively been built in the wrong place.