Headteacher of Gagle Brook school, Bicester, ‘bullied out of job'

Alan Derry, who works at Gagle Brook Primary has resigned from his job at the school after parents claimed he had been ‘bullied’ out of his position.

Parents have expressed their shock at the announcement which he made while conducting a school assembly and have even set up a Twitter account called ‘Save Mr Derry’ in a bid to stop him from leaving.

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Michael Blake, from Bicester, who has a daughter who attends the school, said he was devastated that Mr Derry would no longer lead the school.

He said the teacher championed the school’s ‘one planet school’ ethos of being environmentally-friendly and establishing good morals.

He said: “Mr Derry is absolutely fantastic with the children, he is so passionate about his job and it will be very sad to see him go.

“He has done all that he could to make the school eco-friendly. He’s been so meek and mild-mannered about it. The poor chap broke down in tears when he made the announcement – we felt horrible. He’s just so fantastic and a real crusader.”

Mr Blake says the headteacher had been ‘forced’ out of his role due to sponsors, White Horse Federation, not supporting the school’s eco-friendly ethos.

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He said: “The parents thought he was just tired or run ragged, but it turns out that he has been bullied out of his position as he doesn’t say yes to the federation’s cuts.

“They haven’t supported the school’s ethos like they said they would when the school opened so he had no other choice but to walk away.”

Gagle Brook was the first school to open in Bicester's new 'eco town' estate last year.

The school is signed up to ten 'one planet' commitments, including sustainable water use and using local and sustainable food.

The ‘Save Mr Derry’ Twitter account Tweeted: “The White Horse Federation has done nothing less than bully a well-respected and loved head master from his position.

“Mr Derry has been forced to resign from the school, a school that he has built. A passion that he has nurtured. We’re here to see justice served.”

Despite parents claiming the head teacher was ‘bullied’ out of his position, the White Horse Federation, which is also set to run new school Whitelands Academy on the Kingsmere Estate, said it would not comment on details of his resignation due to privacy.

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A spokesman said:“We can confirm Mr Derry has made the decision to resign from his position as principal at Gagle Brook Primary. It is against our policy to comment in detail on matters related to staff resignations in order to protect the privacy of those involved.

“We would, however, like to thank Alan for his contribution and share the sentiment of parents who will miss him greatly.”

The new head teacher, Gill Gooch, who is currently deputy head teacher and KS1 lead at St Mary & All Saints CE Primary School in Reading, will take on the role in September.

White Horse Federation said: “Gill is known for her passion for always putting children and their families at the heart of everything which happens around her. She is delighted to have been appointed as principal, and is eager to embrace the environmental credentials, and the One Planet Principles of Gagle Brook which have been so successfully begun by Alan Derry.”