Strood Academy Principal defends pupils

Richard Hart, the Principal of the Strood Academy has told parents of his pupils that the vast majority of pupils are well-behaved and working hard.

In a letter to parents passed to AlanWCollins, Mr Hart said that “media comments and intrusion bear no reality to day to day life in our school”.

Addressing concerns raised by pupils, parents and teachers, Mr Hart has talked about safety concerns, bullying and discipline, improving standards, successes and parental engagement.

He also spoke of his aim of turning Strood Academy into a “successful twenty first century school”. He added that “attendance and engagement has been very good and further activities are planned”.

My source, who wishes to remain anonymous, has commented on the positive spin in the letter. But, he says, “there is no smoke without fire. The mere fact that [Mr Hart] felt he had to send the letter shows perhaps that he is concerned”.

In what some parents may view as being a patronising statement, Mr Hart said that “knife incidents relating to schools are rare and I can confirm that we have had no such incidents since the Academy opened”.

He does, however, remind parents that the Academy has had many successes and is academically improving on its predecessors Chapter and Temple, which were both “below minimum government expectations” with their GCSE results.

Whilst many parents may be reassured by the letter, others may still have concerns following the damning media reports of recent weeks.