THE resignation of Kirsten Harrison, headteacher at Newent Community School, has been followed by an allegation the school is about to lose academy status and be taken back under local authority control.

A parent who gave her name but did not wish to be identified said: “Mrs Harrison is leaving Newent Community school in one month.

“The school is also being taken back into local authority control and losing academy status as it is out of control.

“We are desperately concerned about our daughter’s GCSEs as what the school says and the reality of what happens is very different indeed.”

Mrs Harrison was not available for comment.

However, in a farewell message posted on the school website, she has defended her position and the school’s performance.

“Newent is a wonderful school and I am really going to miss it,” she said.

“Teachers believed in me and helped me to do better than I ever thought I would.

"They helped me understand what I had to do to improve – and told me when I could do better.

"They wanted me to be the best I can be.

“Their ambition was infectious.

“I am sorry to leave but I have built friendships that will last forever."

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