Brentwood News
Leading headteacher to retire after 25 years
7:20am Saturday 18th February 2012
A HEADTEACHER will end her career at the school where she has spent 25 years dedicated to students and improving standards.
Carol Mason, headteacher of Brentwood County High School, has decided to take early retirement.
Mrs Mason, who was appointed deputy head in 1987 before becoming headteacher in 2002, will leave the school, in Seven Arches Road, at Easter.
Under her leadership, Brentwood County High has become a specialist school in maths, science and computing, as well as building an extensive collaborative network with other schools in the community.
Mrs Mason has also represented Brentwood’s headteachers on the Association of Secondary Headteachers in Essex and chairs the group’s local meetings.
She said: “I am very sad to be leaving Brentwood County High School after 25 happy years – ten of them as the headteacher.
“I would like to wish the school all the very best for the future and look forward to following its progress over the coming months and years.”
While the school’s governors search for a permanent replacement, Yvonne Locker will take on the role of acting head and Karen Kerridge will act as executive head.
Mrs Locker has considerable experience at a senior level, with a reputation for enhancing staff performance and improving exam results.
Mrs Kerridge is currently head of Appleton School, in Benfleet. She is also a national leader of education and an active Ofsted inspector.
Rosemary Lovatt, chairman of the school’s governors, added: “I would like to thank Carol for her contribution over the past ten years.
“She is very popular throughout the school and will be greatly missed by pupils, staff and governors.
“We are pleased to have the support of two exceptional headteachers while we are recruiting our new head.
“Brentwood County High has a great team of dedicated and talented teachers, and we believe the school can become a good and ultimately, an outstanding rated school.”