WITH THE START OF A NEW SCHOOL TERM UPON US, A NEW TEMPORARY HEADTEACHER IS ANNOUNCED FOR HARROP FOLD

The new appointment comes as current head teacher Drew Povey remains suspended after claims of irregularities in what is known as 'off-rolling'. a practice in which underachieving children are taken off the books to make the school appear to be doing better than it actually is.

Mr Povey has vowed to fight his suspension and clear the name of not only himself but the school too.

Meanwhile experienced Manchester headteacher Damian Owen - currently executive principal of the Greater Manchester Learning Trust that includes Parrs Wood High School in Didsbury - will join Harrop Fold on an interim basis along with his senior deputy head, Claire Wright.

The interim leaders, working with the school’s senior team, will help keep the school on track and support pupils and staff while an ongoing governors’ investigation is completed.Councillor Lisa Stone, lead member for children’s and young people’s services, Salford City Council, said:

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“We want to make sure pupils and staff at Harrop Fold get the very best support possible so they achieve their full potential. 

“Mr Owen has more than 25 years of experience in education, an excellent track record, and a wealth of expertise, and will work with staff, pupils and parents to provide stability for the school.

 “The ongoing governors' investigation is detailed and complex and has to be done fully and fairly. It is in no-one’s interests to rush it through.”

 

Mr Owen, who has more than 25 years’ experience working in some of the most deprived areas of the country, joined Greater Manchester Learning Trust from Manchester Health Academy, which he took from serious weaknesses to being judged good by Ofsted within 18 months.

He said:

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“I look forward to working with staff, pupils and parents at Harrop Fold which has an excellent reputation as a very friendly and welcoming school.”