The headteacher of a Muswell Hill state school which has established itself as one of the best in the country has announced that she will be resigning at the end of the summer term.
Helen Glass – who has at the helm of Fortismere School in Muswell Hill for the past seven years – is set to take up an executive position at a large multi-academy trust in Wiltshire.
During Mrs Glass’ tenure in Tetherdown, Fortismere received its first “outstanding” Ofsted rating in 2011 and last year 45 per cent of students achieved A* to A grade in their GCSE results.
Mrs Glass said: “Looking back over my time as headteacher there have been many highlights and it’s hard to choose which stand out.
“The opening of our music block in 2010 by ‘old boy’ Ray Davies of The Kinks, the Ofsted report, hosting China’s First Lady Madame Peng in 2015, as well as meeting renowned journalist Hunter Davies and leading artist Grayson Perry in the same year.
“Also the fantastic results achieved by my students and staff last summer that placed us 12th in the country’s top twenty comprehensives and the daily interactions with my wonderful students who have made me so very proud year in, year out.
“It has been an absolute privilege to be headteacher and I take many memories with me but it is time for me to take on a new challenge.”
Chair of governors Mark Chapman, who informed parents and carers of the resignation in a letter, said: “There will be a time to properly celebrate the many achievements of our headteacher during her seven years of service to the school, and her constant dedication and loyalty to our students, staff and indeed the whole school community.
“For the moment I’m sure you will join me in thanking Mrs Glass for a job well done, and wish her well in the rest of her career.”
The school – which has 1,220 students in Years 7 to 11 and a further 450 students in the Sixth Form – is often heavily oversubscribed and has specialist status in languages, music, maths and computing.
Mr Chapman added: “Governors’ thoughts now turn to the plan for transition, and the eventual recruitment of a new headteacher.
“This is likely to take an extended period of time, as you will undoubtedly support our intent to provide for both strong transitional leadership and the eventual recruitment of the very best permanent successor to Mrs Glass.
“Meanwhile, be assured our school is in a very good place at present. We are an “outstanding” school; our students happy and confident, and our academic outcomes are as high as they’ve ever been.
“Given our staffing strength and a thriving school community, governors are certain we will continue as such through this period of change.”
A spokesman for Haringey Council said: “We will of course offer the school any support they need as they begin the process of finding a new headteacher.”
Governors say they will write to parents to share their plans “as soon as possible”.
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