Dear Parent/Carer and Friend of the School,

 

You will be aware from the letter sent home last week from the Chair of Governors that Richard Tanton has resigned from the school with immediate effect. It is a source of sadness to us all at the school that he was not able to say his farewells to pupils, families and colleagues.

 

I was honoured to be asked to be Acting Headteacher until such a time that a permanent Headteacher is appointed. Although I have worked at the school since 1973 I realise that many of you will know little about me. I introduced myself to the boys through KS3 and KS4 assemblies and explained that I was initially appointed as a geography teacher who has helped with games. I have very fond memories of coaching a Year 10 rugby team to Middlesex Cup victory and leading the School 1^st XV on a tour to south west France. After a period as Head of Geography, I became Head of Year in the sixth form. For the last 20 years I have been Director of Sixth Form Studies working closely with colleagues at Acland Burghley, La Sainte Union and Parliament Hill School to develop the La Swap consortium. It may be of significance that in the 1990s I was also responsible for the budget setting, monitoring and control processes at William Ellis, a period where the school ended each financial year with a small surplus. I hope that I know the school and local community well. I try to avoid comparisons with ‘Mr Chips’ but note that the grandson of Robert Donat, the Oscar nominated star of the 1939 Hollywood film, was a former pupil of mine!

 

I am very aware of the challenge that the school faces in the short term and have been very grateful for the practical offers of help from local Headteachers and the support of the officers at Camden Local Authority. I am working closely with the governors and staff of the school to formulate a development plan that identifies priorities and the clear actions needed. Raising the achievement of Year 11 GCSE students this summer will be an early focus (see Mr Croston’s separate note). I hope to be able to share these ideas with many of you at the meeting scheduled for 4^th March, details of which are contained in the accompanying letter from Fiona Millar, the Vice Chair of Governors

 

My key message is that the school is looking to the future, will work to full capacity to maintain the high standards associated with William Ellis and earn the confidence of families who placed their trust in us.

 

It was a privilege to represent the school at the Requiem Mass for Dudley Fox at St Joseph’s last Friday. Dudley was an old boy of the school and a staunch supporter of the Old Elysian Club. He campaigned to maintain grammar school status in the 1970s and served as an elected member to the ILEA from 1982 until its demise in 1990 ending as Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group. He accepted the decision to make William Ellis a comprehensive school and made it his business to ensure that it was a success in its new form. He became a governor of the school and he served with distinction for many years. He was also a governor of two local Catholic schools and then became governor – eventually Vice Chair – at La Sainte Union. His work for education was marked by the conferment of a Knighthood of the Order of St Sylvester – a signal honour for one who was not himself a Catholic. In a long life he illustrated the motto of the school Rather Use than Fame to the full. He was the nicest person and a real gentleman. May he rest in peace.

 

Yours sincerely,

Malcolm Rose