Headteacher steps back from Northallerton School role

Northallerton School and Sixth Form revealed on Friday (October 25) that its headteacher Vicki Rahn would be stepping back from the role, in what it described as a move to allow the headteacher to "concentrate on her rehabilitation" after being involved in a serious road traffic accident earlier this year.

The announcement was made in a letter to parents from Mark McCandless, Chief Executive Officer at the Areté Learning Trust, which runs Northallerton School. 

Northallerton School & Sixth Form College (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Headteacher Vicki Rahn steps back from Northallerton School role:

The letter from Mr McCandless started: "I would like to wish Vicki all the very best for her future endeavours and extend our sincere thanks for her dedicated service at Northallerton School and Sixth Form College."

This news comes after a difficult few weeks from the school following questions over its SEN provision from parents and an altercation at the school that saw a boy taken to hospital after attempting to scale a fence at the school.

The Areté Learning Trust said that it has already appointed Ms Pettersen, Trust School Improvement Partner, who it said has been supporting the leadership of Northallerton School since September.

Northallerton School & Sixth Form College gates (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The new Trust School Improvement Partner will now lead the school from November 1, as the executive principal - with the Trust saying that it's confident that Ms Pettersen will provide stability to the school and students at a time of change".

The letter to parents added: "Ms Pettersen is highly skilled in school leadership and has a proven track record in driving forward whole school improvement as a headteacher.

"With the support of the Trust Central Education Team, and most importantly our school staff, we believe that this leadership arrangement will drive the improvements required at Northallerton School this year."

Vicki Rahn (Image: SUBMIT)

According to the Trust, Ms Pettersen will lead the school in an interim role for the remainder of this academic year and will appoint a new headteacher for the start of the new teaching year.

This new appointment comes after the Trust undertook a two-day review of the school, with the Trust saying that it will be meeting with all school staff on Monday, November 4 to share its plan of action "to bring about the required improvements necessary to continue to improve behaviour, enjoyment of school life (staff and students) and outcomes".

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Parents have also been invited to the school on November 14 to speak to school leaders.

Ahead of this, the school will circulate a survey on Monday, November 4, to ask parents if they wish to attend the session on November 14.

Mr  McCandless concluded the letter: "Thank you for your continued support of the school and I hope you have a restful and happy half-term break."