ALDERSBROOK: Respected headteacher set to retire (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

ALDERSBROOK: Respected headteacher set to retire

2:24pm Monday 8th February 2010 in

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A RESPECTED headteacher credited with helping to turn around a struggling school - is set to retire after five years in charge.

Alan Wright has been praised by parents for his success in raising standards and bringing new stability to Aldersbrook Primary since he took over in April 2005.

The school, in Ingatestone Road, had been through a period of flux before his arrival, with Ofsted recording a 'significant turnover' in headteachers filling the position during the previous four years.

It had also been judged to have 'serious weaknesses' by Ofsted in 2001, and although standards had begun to improve by the time Mr Wright was appointed the most recent inspection (in June 2003) had still found teaching of its youngest children and, those with learning or behavioural difficulties, to be 'unsatisfactory.'

The school's dramatic improvement under Mr Wright was reflected by the 'good' overall rating it received from Ofsted during its latest inspection report in 2008 - which included special praise for the headteacher's 'extremely strong' leadership.

Mum-of-four Elizabeth Canavan, of Merlin Road, Aldersbrook - whose children all attend the school - said Mr Wright had made a big difference during his short time in charge.

She said: "There had been alot of different people filling in (as headteacher) and things were a little in flux.

"My son used to say that it felt like there was someone else in charge every time he went to assembly.

"(Mr Wright) has definitely brought more coherance to the school.

"In my opinion he's done a really good job during his time there.

"I'm glad they are taking the time to look for the right person (to replace him)."

Mike Walton, a former governor at the school, was one of those who helped select Mr Wright.

He said: "He was a really strong candidate for the job.

"There had been some weaknesses identified at the school in the past, and he has helped address those.

"He brought stability to the school, which was exactly what was needed."

A permanent replacement is being sought for Mr Wright - who is currently working part-time at the school.