North Downs Primary School appoints fourth head teacher in two years

A PRIMARY school has appointed a new head teacher – its fourth in two years – but governors are still searching for a "substantive head".

Angela Ewing has taken over at North Downs Primary School, which has sites in Brockham, Leigh and Betchworth.

Mrs Ewing took temporary charge in April when Simon Hobbs left the school, and has now been given a three-year contract, after which governors hope to appoint a new full-time head.

In a statement, chairman of governors Paula Morgan said: "The appointment of Angela until 2015 will provide a period of stability for the school and allow the senior leadership team, together with the staff and governing body of the school, to continue to move the school forward to a time when we will appoint a substantive head.

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"Angela has been our interim head teacher since the beginning of April and the governors believe that extending her appointment will be very beneficial for the school.

"Angela has great experience as a head teacher and has, in the few weeks she has been our interim head, already shown her considerable skills in engaging with the children, parents and staff."

Mrs Morgan's statement, which was sent to all parents of children at the school, continued: "A lot of you will have already met Angela as she is often in the playground at the beginning or end of the school day for a chat and has an 'open door' policy.

"If you do need to speak with her about an issue she can be found at each village site during the week."

The governors' hope for "stability" comes after two years in which there have been many changes at the school.

Erik Starkie retired in July 2010 when Brockham School merged with the Acorns School in Leigh and Betchworth to form North Downs Primary School.

Incoming head Jane Fairbourn resigned days before the start of the new school year, leaving former acting head Jan Steel in charge.

Simon Hobbs took over at the school in September last year, but then resigned in February.

• Parents and carers are invited to meet Mrs Ewing on June 1 at Brockham Village Hall. For more information, e-mail chairofgovernors@northdowns.surrey.sch.uk or call 01737 843384.