Parents and councillors have said they are very concerned about the stability of a Bulwell school after its headteacher stepped down. Sara Wildes left her post as principal at Bulwell Academy at the end of October, a mere six months after joining.
In a letter to parents, she explained it was the "right time to move on". However, as concerns with pupil behaviour continue to loom over the Creative Education Trust-run academy, the Bulwell community has more questions than answers.
Some parents have labelled the situation a mess, whilst a councillor said their offering of support fell on deaf ears. Bulwell Academy, which has since recruited interim head Sam Williamson and Ellis Guilford principal Chris Keen as executive principal, said it was confident significant progress was already being made.
Read more: Bulwell Academy headteacher steps down after a few months in the role
Maria Joannou, who represents the Bulwell ward on Nottingham City Council for Labour, said she and colleagues had met with Ms Wildes to offer support with troublesome pupils, but heard nothing back. “We were looking at how we could support with anti social behaviour happening and offered sessions," said the Labour councillor.
"But I never heard back from her, we were more than happy to support her." Cllr Joannou said she "hugely" understood why parents may be concerned about the school, which educates pupils aged 11 to 18.
"We are very concerned and what the school needs more than anything is stability and a principal who has a holistic approach and provides the support for people to engage," she continued. "We have expressed concerns, this is young people’s careers we are talking about. If they don’t do well academically, life doesn’t get any easier.
"I do understand why parents are upset, it’s children’s education at the end of the day." Bulwell parents, Mattelyn and Michael Romano, both 32, said they drove their children to school in Rise Park to avoid enrolling them at schools in the area.
"We wouldn't put our kids in Bulwell schools," said Mrs Romano. "It's a deprived area so you would think they would prioritise the schools, if you do it might help pull Bulwell up a bit. It used to be really nice years ago. Our kids need to be challenged and the Bulwell schools would not really meet our expectations."
She added that the situation at Bulwell Academy was a "mess". The school has been criticised by parents in the past for its strict rules on toilet breaks, with pupils requiring a doctor's note to leave during lessons. Mr Romano added: "Kids around here need support and encouragement, not a drill sergeant. If anything they need more support."
Kim Dunn, a hairdresser whose daughter used to attend the school, added: "My daughter left last year so it's not really affected us, it's more the teachers there that leave, that has more of an impact on pupils. The headteacher leaving is probably more hassle for the teachers than the kids."
Alex Norris, Labour and Co-operative MP for Nottingham North, called for the community to rally round the school, saying: "Bulwell Academy is vital to our community and it is important that the children there thrive. I’m glad to see that strong leadership arrangements have been put in place and we must now we rally round as a community to help the school succeed."
A Bulwell Academy spokesperson said: “We are pleased that Sam Williamson, an experienced school leader, has taken up the role of Interim Head of School at Bulwell Academy so quickly and that Chris Keen, Principal at Ellis Guilford School, has also stepped up to the role of Executive Principal with immediate effect.
“Both of these new appointments will help Bulwell Academy maintain stability in its leadership and Creative Education Trust will of course also continue to support the academy to make sure we have the resourcing needed to progress and thrive.”
“We are confident that under our new leadership, significant progress is already being made and the whole school community will feel the benefit. We encourage parents with concerns or questions to get in touch with us directly.”
Back in 2021, former academy principal Michelle Strong announced she was stepping down after three years at the helm.
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