Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to update you following the Headteacher recruitment process which took place this week.

As you will know, Mrs Ridley will be leaving Grendon Primary School at the end of the summer term and, therefore, the Governing Board were required to begin a formal process to recruit a new Headteacher to take up the post from September 2026.

Earlier this week, the Headteacher Recruitment Panel met to undertake the selection process. The candidates were asked to complete a number of different assessment activities, including engaging in a conversation with pupils, completing a data analysis task, delivering an unseen presentation and participating in a formal interview with the panel. Each part of the process was carefully assessed and scored before a final decision was reached.

Following this thorough process, I am delighted to confirm that Mr Darby, our current Deputy Headteacher, achieved the highest overall score. After ratification by the full Governing Board, he was offered the position of Headteacher, and I am very pleased to share that he has accepted.

On behalf of the Governing Board, I would like to congratulate Mr Darby on this achievement. We all join in celebrating his success and look forward to the leadership, commitment and experience he will bring to the role.

Mr Darby has the full support and confidence of the Governing Board, and I am sure you will join us in offering him your support as he takes on this important position. We look forward to seeing Grendon Primary School continue to thrive under his leadership.

Yours sincerely,

Sam Lewis Chair of Governors