FREE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL LEAVES POST

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Free school principal leaves post

by Fiona Dryden

The principal of Leicester's first free school has left after less than two years in the post.

Christopher Spall took up the job at Krishna Avanti Primary, in Spencefield Lane, Evington, when the school was launched in September 2011.

Occupying part of the former Leicester Grammar Junior site, the school has a Hindu ethos, but takes youngsters from all faiths.

The appointment of Mr Spall, a Christian, was seen as evidence of the school's commitment to welcoming everyone, regardless of religious background. He had been head teacher at an international primary school in Kuwait and taught in Basildon and at Loretto, a school in Scotland.

The Mercury was unable to contact Mr Spall, but chairman of governors, Pradip Gajjar, said he had left for personal reasons.

He said: "We are very grateful for the time he has been able to give to us, helping to launch the school and seeing it through to its successful second year. We were very thankful for his leadership."

Mr Spall left his post at Easter, following an official opening of the school by Education Secretary Michael Gove. Interim head, Sally Hughes, has now taken over.

Mr Gajjar said: "Sally has extensive headship experience and has delivered outstanding results. Parents were informed quickly.

"We are now looking for someone to fill this as a permanent role."

Krishna Avanti Primary was set up by The I-Foundation, which runs a school in Harrow, North London, using capital funding from the Government.

Free schools can be set up by charities, universities, businesses, teachers and parents and can set their own curriculum. However, Krishna Avanti follows the national curriculum.

An advert for the head teacher role placed by the school in the Times Education Supplement states: "The role will entail leading the school to outstanding and beyond. This is a unique opportunity to help lay the foundations of a growing and innovative school."

For more information, call Mr Gajjar on 07812 586790.

www.krishna- avanti-leicester.org.uk