Dear Parents, Carers, and Members of the Ashgate Primary School Community

I am writing to inform you of some teaching staff updates and leadership changes for the coming months.

Mr Seargent (Co-Headteacher): Retirement

At the end of last term, I informed the Governing Body and the Local Authority of my decision to retire from the profession at the close of this academic year. After what will have been 12 years at Ashgate Primary and 26 years in education in total, my final day at the school will be 23 July.

This is a personal decision based on changed circumstances beyond the workplace.

Governors are currently making arrangements for the transition in leadership and you will be kept abreast of any outcomes regarding recruitment or appointments in due course. 

I want to assure you that until my final day in July, the current leadership structure will remain fully in place. My focus, alongside that of Mrs Forte, remains to provide the leadership and stability required to ensure our dedicated staff have the support needed to be effective in their roles and to maintain the high standards that define Ashgate Primary School. I will also be working closely with the Governors and the Local Authority to ensure the smoothest possible leadership transition.

Mrs Winfield (Early Years/Reception): Retirement

I am also writing to inform you that Mrs Winfield notified the Governing Body and me earlier this term of her intention to retire from teaching. Her final day at school will be 27 March.

Mrs Winfield has been, and remains, a real and long-standing asset to Ashgate. Having served at Ashgate for 23 years—both as a classroom teacher and previously as a school Governor—she has made a significant impact on our community. A rough calculation estimates that at least 700 pupils will have had the positive experience of her as their teacher.

She will be greatly missed by us all, and we thank her for her immense dedication to our pupils. We wish her the very best as she prepares to enjoy more time with her family.

Following the Easter break, the pupils in her class will be taught by an experienced, high-quality teacher, supported as always by our long-standing and effective Early Years team. A permanent arrangement for this position will be established during the Summer Term, and we will keep parents updated throughout this process.

Thank you for your understanding as we plan for the future. I look forward to leading the school through the remainder of what is set to be a successful and productive academic year.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Seargent Co-Headteacher Ashgate Primary School