24th April 2026
Date Published
You will already be aware from the letter sent by Mrs Birch earlier this week that I will be leaving HIPPS at the end of this academic year. It has not been an easy decision but I think it is the right time to hand over to someone else.
I believe I will leave the school in a strong position, not just in terms of outcomes across the school, but in terms of a fantastic, committed staff group and a parent body who appreciate everything that the school does.
Parents(and the children!) have asked me what I’m going to do next and the honest answer is I’m not sure at the moment.
I will dispel one myth though! I am not leaving to become head teacher at another school. Having been head teacher at HIPPS for 11 years, from my perspective, that would only ever have been a downgrade! Being the headteacher at our school has been one of the biggest privileges of my life and I know that I will very much miss all my colleagues both in the school and the wider trust. I also know I will hugely miss the children who, on a daily basis , never fail to make us all laugh, smile and occasionally cry(usually in a good way!). Thank you for all your kind comments at the school gates. I am still here for the rest of this very busy term and there are so many exciting things to look forward to!
Jonathan Newman