Brighton head teacher steps down

The head teacher of a Brighton primary school is stepping down.

Catherine Scott, known to colleagues as Cathy, will leave Carden Primary School, in County Oak Avenue, Brighton, at Christmas.

The governors have started searching for an interim head for the spring and summer terms while they look for a permanent replacement for Miss Scott.

Under her leadership the school’s rating by the official watchdog Ofsted improved from satisfactory to good.

The most recent Ofsted report, published two years ago, said: “Under the strong direction of the head teacher, well supported by senior leaders and managers, her clear vision and drive for improvement have been shared by staff and gains have been made in a number of key areas, such as pupils’ progress, attendance, care, guidance and support and healthy outcomes.

Cathy Scott

“Target setting is robust and subsequent tracking highlights those in need of intervention programmes.

“This results in good progress for all groups of pupils.

“Pupils’ and parents’ comments confirm these positive views on leadership and management.

“The leadership of the school has been very successful at improving teaching and learning, evidenced by pupils’ recent good progress.”

The school has held parents evenings this week, including one yesterday (Thursday 24 October) and pupils break for the half term holiday today (Friday 25 October).

They return on Wednesday 6 November after two Inset (in-service training) days.