Search is on as headteacher steps down

A search has been launched for a new headteacher to take over the reins at a Wednesbury school after the current one announced he would be leaving at the end of the year.

William Branney has been at the helm of Stuart Bathurst High School since 2006 but at an assembly on Friday, the 53-year-old revealed he would be starting at a new school in Tyne And Wear from September.

Letters have been sent out to parents and the school is now advertising for a replacement.

"After six years of dedicated service I am moving on to another school in north east England," he said.

"It has been a great privilege to serve in the community here in Wednesbury and in Sandwell.

"I'm sad to leave because this is a family school. But it's in a great place at the moment and I have no doubt the school's future looks very promising."

When My Branney first started at the Wood Green Road school it was rated satisfactory by Ofsted inspectors. But at the last inspection in November 2010 this had improved to a rating of 'good' with outstanding features.

The school was one of a number in Sandwell that lost out when the Government axed Labour's multi-million pound Building Schools for the Future programme.

"I have seen huge changes," said Mr Branney.

"It has transformed in terms of developing its curriculum to meet the needs of students more fully.

"We have seen the establishment of a new school farm in 2010 plus new developments despite losing out on the Government funding."

Mr Branney, who will move from his home in Walsall in order to take up the role at St Robert of Newminster in Washington, Tyne And Wear, said he had no doubt the position would be filled in time for the start of the new school year in September. He added: "It will be a fantastic prospect for someone."

Councillor Bob Badham, Sandwell's schools boss, said he was sorry to see Mr Branney leaving. "He has done a fantastic job at Stuart Bathurst and I wish him all the best in his new job," he added.