Parents at a primary school say the appointment of a new headteacher gives them “real hope” for the future.


George Tomlinson Primary School in Harrington Road in Leytonstone has hired Verity Carter as the new headteacher.

The previous headteacher left George Tomlinson’s last summer on amicable terms and for the 2015/16 school year an interim headteacher was appointed. 

Earlier this year, parents petitioned Waltham Forest Borough Council to appoint a headteacher who did not have any links to an academy after the school was taken over by the Lime Academy Trust.

A former governor of George Tomlinson’s, Alison Standfast said when the pupils returned from their Easter break earlier this year, the trust had taken over and made unwelcome decisions.

She said: “It was a hostile takeover. They came in and made very obtrusive decisions in relation to staffing and the day to day running of the school which gave rise to significant concerns for the parents.

“Because of this, parents thought it would be turned into an academy.”

Now, Ms Standfast said parents are happy that the new headteacher does not have any links to an academy.

She said: “We are thrilled to bits. I think relief is a very strong feeling that most people have.

“I am very much looking forward to a bright future for George Tomlinson’s because certainly the new headteacher seems like a really good fit for the ethos of the school.

“The fact that she has met with the school council already gives us real hope.

“Until recently, George Tomlinson’s was always very child focused and the voice of the child was always heard.”

John Rogers, a parent of one of the pupils at George Tomlinson’s, organised the petition to the council.

He said the Lime Trust changed the atmosphere of the school but he is now relieved that a headteacher without links to an academy has been appointed.

He said: “When the Lime Trust came into the school they completely unsettled what had been a very calm atmosphere.

“Everybody is really relieved and we are really looking forward to September.

“We can get it back to being the school it was.”

Debbie Stowe, whose child attends George Tomlinson’s, said she is relieved that when the children return in September there will be no uncertainty about a headteacher with links to an academy being appointed.

She said: “It was one of our major concerns that we would come back in September without this sorted.

“I am relieved and pleased that it has been sorted.”

Verity Carter, who currently works as the acting head teacher at Betty Layward Primary School in Stoke Newington, Hackney, will start work at George Tomlinson’s in September.

Ms Carter said: “I am absolutely delighted and feel incredibly privileged to have been offered the role of headteacher at George Tomlinson. 

“I was instantly struck by the warmth of the staff, the wonderful children and the strong community feel. 

“I am absolutely committed to providing nothing less than the highest quality education for children, delivered by a strong and talented team.”

The Lime Trust was commissioned to work with George Tomlinson Primary School for the Summer Term.

A spokeswoman for the trust, Lynne Harrowell, said "I am delighted that the Governors have been able to make a substantive appointment of headteacher for September."