Sir, – Your recent report about Richmond School (“Interim Governors bring stability to secondary school”, D&S, Oct 31) seemed to suggest that independent inspectors had given a wholly positive report on the school.
Like most parents of students attending the school, I was delighted, but not surprised, to learn that the interim board is a good influence, the students are loyal, and the school’s teachers are very committed.
However, careful reading of the report itself, available on the school website, reveals significant ongoing concerns. Here are three direct quotes:
“The headteacher was aware that the parents involved in the review were not fully representative of all parents.”
“The analysis and evaluation of evidence is not completed in sufficient depth to provide an open, honest and realistic picture.”
“The misuse of the word ‘outstanding’ [by the headteacher] in publications may provide misleading messages….”
In other words: the parents invited to meet the inspectors were hand-picked by the head; the interim board is not (even now) being given accurate information about the school’s performance; and misleading or even dishonest statements are being made about the school’s results.
Need I say more? The leadership of Richmond School cannot be trusted or believed. This is the key issue and the interim board – in post for more than six months now – urgently needs to deal with it.
JULIE MARTIN
Station Road, Richmond.
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