BREAKING: Littlehampton Academy principal resigns days before term starts

The Woodard Academies Trust confirmed today (Monday, January 6) that Steve Jewell left his role on December 31.

He was appointed as principal in April, 2009, after previously being head of St Andrew’s High School, in Worthing, and oversaw the school’s transition to an academy.

The Woodard Academies Trust has confirmed Marianne Gentilli will serve as acting principal when the school reopens on Wednesday.

The school is closed for today and tomorrow to students because of continuing problems with its power and heating.

Teachers were informed of the news earlier today, but the Woodard Academies Trust has not revealed why Mr Jewell has left during the middle of the academic year.

The school was visited by Ofsted back in December, after its last inspection in September 2011, saw it obtain a result of ‘satisfactory’.

The new report has not yet been released, but the Gazette understands it will be published within weeks.

Steve Jewell said: “As founding principal, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the many students, parents, colleagues, academy councillors, church leaders and other members of the local community and felt privileged to guide the design of the academy’s fantastic new building, which will benefit the local community for many years. “I would like to thank everyone who supported me and I wish the academy and Woodard Academies Trust all the very best in the future.”

Mrs Jan Richardson, chairman of Woodard Academies Trust, said the Trust appreciated ‘his significant efforts over the past four years’, and wished him ‘every success in the future’.

If you work at Littlehampton Academy or have children who go there, please contact reporter Alex Therrien by emailing [email protected] or phoning 01903 714135.

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