Bradon Forest School headteacher to depart at Easter

Bradon Forest School headteacher Len Spiers has decided to retire from headship to set up a careers advice service for schools.

After 19 years as a head in two schools, twelve at Bradon, he said the role had become increasingly pressurised with particular local challenges. “The last four years of change and instability caused by the withdrawal of the free transport by Swindon Council and the introduction of our own bus service, have taken their toll both personally and professionally.

“Several strategic issues make this the right time to go. New housing developments at Ridgeway Farm and Mouldon View in Wiltshire mean pupils will be entitled to free buses to Bradon. The Tadpole Farm development will also create further demand which the Bradon private bus service will serve.”

Maintaining a broad and balanced curriculum

He said Bradon had maintained a broad and balanced curriculum and resisted the temptation to inflate league table performance by running courses of little real value in terms of progression.

“Our GCSE results have been consistently high and it has been a privilege to lead a school that values the traditional but also embraces the modern,  where ‘competition and a ‘can-do’ atmosphere is encouraged in all aspects of school life.

“I’m particularly pleased by the  many local, regional and national successes across sport, arts, ICT and  a range of international projects. They all offer students valuable leadership opportunities in different settings.”

As well as developing his careers advice business Mr Spiers will provide private tutoring in Science and Maths, and  will continue his contact with Bradon Forest as a parent.