Staff and pupils wave goodbye to Henry Hinde principal praised by Ofsted for work to improve the school

Pupils and staff at Henry Hinde Junior School in Bilton have waved farewell to principal Rachael Allen, who has left to move to a school closer to her home.

Mrs Allen who joined the school in September 2016, the same year that Ofsted rated it 'inadequate' and called for major changes.

In the years after that many improvements were made, and Ofsted praised Mrs Allen for being ‘brave, determined and successful’ in her drive to turn the fortunes of the school around.

An inspection in 2018 saw the school rated as 'requires improvement' - a step above the previous rating.

And the Ofsted report explained that Mrs Allen was making vast improvements to the school.

James Higham, CEO of the Transforming Lives Educational Trust, said: “Every part of life at Henry Hinde Junior School has been transformed under Rachael’s leadership, she has poured her heart and soul into delivering the best for her pupils and their families, particularly during the pandemic.

“Our thanks go to Mrs Allen for all that she has done for our community.

"I am incredibly proud of all that has been achieved at Henry Hinde Juniors over the last few years and that is thanks to the dedication and commitment of Rachael and her team.”

After Easter, the school welcomed Jennie Nurse as the new principal.

Miss Nurse joins Henry Hinde Juniors following her headship at an Ofsted 'good' rated school in Leicester.

Mrs Allen said: “I would like to thank everyone for their kind messages and well wishes over the last few weeks.

"I am very sad to be leaving Henry Hinde Junior School and hold some wonderful memories here, but I am glad to be leaving it in Jennie’s safe hands.”