Published: Saturday, 24th May, 2008 13:00
Parents split over head's departure from troubled school
By Annabel Williams
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THE headteacher of a school on special measures will leave at the end of this month.
Alex Long brought Battle Primary School out of a previous spell on special measures when he started in 2000, and won a School Improvement Award in 2003.
But academic standards at the Cranbury Road school have slipped once again and an Ofsted inspection in January found leadership and management were “inadequate”.
However, his imminent departure has left opinion split as The Chronicle discovered after speaking to parents about the news.
One mother of a year 5 pupil said: “It’s something I’ve wanted for quite a while.
“My son’s only got another year to go, otherwise I would have taken him out of the school.
"The school has been slipping quite a bit and there’s been quite a large turnover of staff, which is unsettling for the children.
“I think it’s important to have stability not only at home but at school too.
“I’ve had two other children go through Battle Primary and they’ve both struggled at secondary school because they weren’t at the same level as the others in their class.
“Children should be getting the education they deserve, especially the last few years when they’re preparing for secondary school.
“It’s a shame though, because he’s a nice person.”
Kerry Horwood, mother of a year 6 pupil, said: “He made Steven feel really comfortable when he started, Mr Long was really down to earth.
“I think he’s a good headteacher.”
But a mother of two pupils in years 1 and 4, said: “I’m glad he’s leaving because he seems to have no discipline for naughty children.
“My son asked me if he could start being naughty because all the naughty children get attention.
“We need someone strong and strict.”
Marie Heath, a mum to a year 3 pupil and childminder two other youngsters at the school, said: “It’s not his fault the school’s on special measures, it’s because of all the different backgrounds of all the different children who come here.
"When he came here the school was on special measures and he managed to get it out.
"Mr Long relates to the children well, especially the ones with different needs.
“He should have more support. It’s a shame he’s leaving.”
Battle ward councillor Tony Jones said: “I think it is the right decision and good news because it enables the school to make a fresh start.
“A new head will mean the school will be able meet the challenges of getting out of special measures and delivering the standards people expect.
“I think Mr Long has lost his way and lost the confidence of the staff.”
Reading education spokesman Chris Branagan said: “Alex Long has now decided and agreed with the school’s governing body to step aside from his post in the interests of the school.
“He has enjoyed working with pupils, parents, governors and of course staff at the school and thanks them for their support over the years.
“He will always remember the school fondly as a fabulous school and wishes staff and a new head all the best for the future.”
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