Headteacher makes decision to retire

Laneshaw Bridge Primary School headteacher Eileen Bleasdale has cited her husband’s ill health and a desire to spend more time with her family as the reason for the decision.

Natalie Robinson has been appointed acting headteacher but is currently signed off until the end of the current term on sick leave.

Deputy headteachers Jo Sharples and James Eccleston have been put in charge temporarily.

Laneshaw Bridge Primary School has achieved a number of accolades under the helm of Mrs Bleasdale who has been headteacher since 1988.

It has been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted in its last three inspections and was awarded Beacon School status in 2001. Mrs Bleasdale received an OBE in the New Year’s Honour list in 2013 for services to education.

There has also been changes to the school’s governing body in the last 10 days which is now headed by Joint Chairmen, Paul White and David Choyce.

County Coun. Paul White, joint chair of governors at Laneshaw Bridge Primary School, said: “I can confirm that Mrs Bleasdale has resigned to be able to spend more time with her family.

“On behalf of everyone at the school I would like to recognise the contribution that Mrs Bleasdale made to our school which went from strength to strength under her leadership.

“I would like to offer her our best wishes for the future.

“Mrs Robinson has been appointed as acting headteacher, taking over the responsibility of the daily running of the school.

“But, as Mrs Robinson is away from school at the moment our deputy headteachers, Mrs Sharples and Mr Eccleston have taken over this responsibility temporarily.

“I would like to reassure parents that although we are currently in a period of change, we are working hard putting plans in place for the interim management of the school until Mrs Robinson returns.

“We hope to be able to announce the name of the temporary acting headteacher within the next week.

“It is a priority of the governors to make sure that the school has good leadership now and in the future.”