Academy principal resigns days before term re-starts

The Woodard Academies Trust confirmed on Monday that Steve Jewell left his role with effect from December 31.

He has been replaced by Marianne Gentilli, who is not from the school and will serve as acting principal with immediate effect.

The Gazette understands Ms Gentilli has been appointed acting principal until August 31, after which the Woodard Academies Trust will advertise for a permanent replacement.

A search of Ms Gentilli’s Linkedin profile shows she is director of Gentilli Education, a consultancy firm which, she says, specialises in ‘primary and secondary school improvement, education visioning, academy and free school support’.

Previous roles include working for Essex County Council as a lead senior adviser, though there is no mention on her profile of previous experience as a principal or head teacher.

Teachers were informed of the news on Monday and met Ms Gentilli.

The Woodard Academies Trust has not revealed the reasons for Mr Jewell leaving during the middle of the academic year, but said he had made the decision after ‘much consideration’.

For the full story, read the January 9 edition of the Littlehampton Gazette.