Headteacher to bow out after top Ofsted
A WEAR Valley headteacher will retire in the summer after Ofsted classed his primary school “outstanding”.Bill Guymer will leave Willington Church of England Primary school after six years at the helm, and he said it’s the perfect way to end his reign.
Mr Guymer said: “I wanted to get the Ofsted report done before my replacement took over so that she could have time to establish herself before the next report. I’m absolutely thrilled that the school has done so well. This is a fabulous, wonderful school and I love it to bits. The parental support has been fantastic which has helped us no end.”
Ofsted visited the school two weeks ago, and inspector Margaret Shepherd said the key reason for its success was Mr Guymer.
Mrs Shepherd said: “This is an excellent school, and the key reason for its success is the head teacher. He has a strong belief in the importance of developing every aspect of each pupil’s potential. He manages change extremely skilfully and the entire school team work tirelessly to continually improve and extend the school’s provision.”
Mrs Shepherd was especially impressed with the schools IT department, with every pupil in years four, five and six having their own laptop.
Mr Guymer said: “The children are being proficient in animation and film editing software which has a big impact on their curriculum work. Wallace and Gromit eat your heart out. “Mrs Shepherd was really good and gave us a lot of sound advice.
“Oftsed used to just criticise but now they offer advice which is much more helpful. “She spent a long time talking to our student body, and I think they’d be still telling her how great it is if they could.
Our council is very effective and they meet every week which is very unusual. The school was graded as outstanding in all departments apart from attendance and effectiveness of foundation stage.
Mr Guymer said: “Our attendance is at 95.9 per cent, while to be outstanding it needs to be at 97 per cent. We are also looking at providing better outdoor provision for our nursery class which is something Mrs Shepherd also picked up on. I am really pleased to be able to leave the school in such a strong position.”
Current deputy head Alison Richardson will take over from the departing head, and Mr Guymer said he wouldn’t trust anyone else with the position.
Mr Guymer said: “I would hate for anyone else to take over other than Mrs Richardson. We have worked really well together, and she has played a big part in getting this outstanding report.
“ She values what has been successful and will ensure this school continues to develop and move in the right direction.”
