'Talented' head off to new pastures

Andrew Dickinson has stepped down as head teacher of St Joseph's RC Primary School, Shaw

THE head teacher of an "outstanding" Shaw primary school has stepped down after a nine-month absence.

Andrew Dickinson has left St Joseph's RC Primary School after 18 years at the helm and another six as deputy head.

He was also a former pupil at the Oldham Road school and followed in the footsteps of his father, Ernest, who retired as head teacher there in 1988. His children also attended the school.

Mr Dickinson, who is in his early 50s, has been absent from the school since the start of January, although he did return for a short spell during that time.

Salford Diocese would not say the reason for the absence and a spokesperson for the school said: "Following a recent absence and after very careful consideration, Mr Dickinson has taken the decision to step down as head teacher to explore new opportunities after 18 years in this role.

"We are very grateful to Mr Dickinson for his hard work over the years, and we wish him all the very best for the future. We are now committed to recruiting a similarly talented leader to build on the outstanding foundations Mr Dickinson has helped to put in place.

Outstanding

"In the meantime, staff and governors will be continuing to deliver the very best educational provision to the children of our school."

St Joseph's was classed as outstanding at its last Ofsted inspection in 2006. As an outstanding school, it has not had a full inspection since then but an interim report by the education watchdog in 2010 confirmed that it was maintaining its high standards.

The governing body has confirmed to parents that Luke Dillon, who was brought in during Mr Dickinson's absence, will remain as executive head teacher until a permanent appointment is made. Year 2 teacher Gary Needle is acting head of school and Year 6 teacher Steve Hill is deputy head.

"We understand that parents and carers will be anxious to learn what arrangements will be in place as the school seeks to appoint a successor for Mr Dickinson," says the letter signed by chairman of governors Louise Killeen and vice chairman Julie Bailey.

"Any changes to these arrangements will be communicated clearly to the school community at the appropriate time."