School to reopen with new interim leadership team

A middle school which closed over "unforeseen" staffing issues has appointed a new interim leadership team.

Parents at Danesfield Middle School in Williton, Somerset, were told of the school's sudden closure due to "absence of staff" on Monday.

Beacon Education, which manages the school, confirmed three experienced headteachers - David Terry, Geeta Verrell and Mark Foden - will work closely with staff and the school community for the remainder of the academic year.

The trust also confirmed the school will reopen on 8 July.

Beacon Education apologised for the strain placed on childcare arrangements.

A joint statement from the trusts said the new interim team "will be working closely with staff and the school community to ensure the best possible end of term".

“Staff and pupil welfare remains our number one priority at Danesfield School and we feel these appointments will prove to be a very positive step in Danesfield’s journey as we continue our transition to a new headteacher and into the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust," the statement said.

The trust had previously explained that absences in "key management positions" caused the closure.

In September, Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust (BWMAT) will take over with a new headteacher who is yet to be recruited.

Beacon Education was previously told by the government to engage in merger talks with BWMAT, after "a judgement of serious weaknesses" in its capacity to operate.

When approached by the BBC, Ofsted said it had not visited the school since June 2023 and the closure was not prompted by them.

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