Academy head in quit shock

DAVID YATES has resigned as principal of Waterhead Academy after less than 18 months in the post.

Mr Yates (38) was appointed early last year to replace Jackie Nellis, who stepped down as principal designate for “personal and professional reasons” 10 months after her appointment.

The academy, run by Oldham College, replaces Breeze Hill and Counthill schools but is running at those two sites until new premises are completed in Waterhead next year.

No official explanation has been forthcoming about Mr Yates’ decision, but it follows hard on the heels of the announcement that up to a fifth of the school’s 250 staff faced redundancy in the wake of a reduction in government funding.

A statement from Shauna Dixon, chair of the Waterhead Academy Trust, simply read: “David Yates, the principal of Waterhead Academy, has taken the decision to leave his role.

“David has worked incredibly hard to establish Waterhead Academy and has been instrumental in the achievements we have made in the first year. We would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him all the best in the future.

“The appointment of a new principal is currently under way and we will provide more information over the coming weeks. The board of governors and staff are fully committed to delivering an Academy with an outstanding reputation, which will continue to be our focus as we welcome pupils in September.”

A teacher at Waterhead Academy, wishing to remain anonymous, contacted the Chronicle and said: “He has only been here 12 months and I found him a very good and nice teacher. I thought he was the man for the job, so why would he walk away? About 20 per cent of staff have gone and morale has never been this low.”

The resignation of Mr Yates comes just days before the announcement of GSCE results expected to show a modest improvement for Waterhead Academy pupils.

Mr Yates said: “I have taken the decision to leave my position as principal of Waterhead Academy for personal and professional reasons.

“I am deeply sorry to the parents, students and staff that I am leaving at very short notice, but I leave feeling proud of what we have achieved together.

“I want to thank everyone for the way they have welcomed me and embraced new ideas. Finally, I wish Waterhead Academy the best for the future.”