Head Rachael Bennett to leave Court Fields School Wellington

Rachael Bennett, the leader at Court Fields School in Mantle Street, will be stepping down after half term.

Ms Bennett has been on 'compassionate leave' since the beginning of term.

The news was delivered to parents in a letter on May 17 from executive headteacher Sarah Watson.

LEAVING: Rachael Bennett, head of Court Fields School in Wellington

Ms Watson is also the headteacher of The Castle School in Taunton, and is CEO of The Castle Partnership Trust, which is responsible for Court Fields as well as a handful of primary schools.

She said: "I know you will want me to thank Ms Bennett for all that she has done for Court Fields School and to wish her well in her new role.

"In the meantime, Mrs Matthews will continue as acting head at Court Fields School until January when we will look to appoint a new headteacher.

"Ms Bennett has asked me to pass on her thanks and best wishes to all those in the Wellington Community who have supported both her and the school."

Ms Bennett will be staying within The Castle Partnership Trust to teach geography at The Castle School.

Ms Watson said geography is a subject Ms Bennett loves and has previously taught.

She added: "I am pleased she has agreed to continue to work in the trust and that she will be joining the department at The Castle School.

Ms Bennett was appointed head of the school in 2014 and saw it through some turbulent times.

The school has been rated 'requires improvement' by inspection body Ofsted during its last two visits, dating back to 2016.

The latest inspection took place in April 2019, which highlighted a number of concerns, including lack of 'good progress' for all students, teachers not planning lessons to match pupil's prior understanding, and the most able pupils are not being 'challenged appropriately'.