A headteacher's sudden departure today has caused shock and surprise to parents and schoolgirls.
It was announced today via ParentMail, the school's electronic communications system, that Sarah Mackintosh has left Rosebery School, in White Horse Drive, Epsom.
Ros Allen, the deputy headteacher has stepped in as acting headteacher but the academy, which has around 1,470 pupils, will be without a permanent head until January.
Sarah Mackintosh
Mystery surrounds why Mrs Mackintosh has left, and why she has gone so suddenly. Ms Allen said she only made the decision to leave this week and it was confirmed yesterday.
She said Mrs Mackintosh had not addressed students and staff to say goodbye.
When asked when Mrs Mackintosh was last in school, she said: "She has been the headteacher until today.
"It’s entirely Mrs Mackintosh’s decision to leave at this time. The announcement was made today."
Ros Allen
Ms Allen said the school had been "highly successful" in recent years, achieving a good rating at its Ofsted inspection in January last year, and this was a testament to Mrs Mackintosh's leadership.
Ms Allen, who has been deputy headteacher for three years and teaches history, said: "My aim is to ensure every student achieves the very best that they can.
"The school has a long tradition of providing an excellent education to the girls of Epsom."
In a statement, John Strutt, chair of governors, said: "The governors of Rosebery School regret to announce that their headteacher, Mrs Sarah Mackintosh, will be leaving the school at the end of the spring term on April 4, 2014.
"Mrs Mackintosh has been head of the school for the past five years.
"During this period, the school has gone from strength to strength and, for the past two years, has been in the top 100 state schools in the country for their superb GCSE examination results.
"Mrs Mackintosh now wishes to move on in her career and the governors wish her every success in the future.
"Ms R Allen, the deputy headteacher, will now assume the responsibilities of headteacher whilst the recruitment of a new head is undertaken."
Do you know more? How do you feel about her departure?
Leave a comment below, email Alice Foster at alice.foster@london.newsquest.co.uk or call her on 0208 7226337.
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