THE head teacher of Sarum Academy has resigned.

Principal Ruth Johnson announced her departure to staff yesterday and will hold a final assembly tomorrow.

Jonathan Curtis will act as principal until a permanent replacement is found.

The school released the following statement to the Journal:

"Sarum Academy's Principal, Ruth Johnson, will retire tomorrow, April 29. Ruth has been Principal of Sarum Academy since March 2010. This was a period of immense change and challenge as the Academy formed, established itself and conducted a new build on site. Ruth has demonstrated enormous dedication, self sacrifice and determination throughout her leadership at Sarum Academy. This is born from an intense passion for the children at the school and the community in which the school sits.

"The Governing Body is hugely grateful to Ruth for all that she has achieved during her tenure. Unafraid of a challenge and tenacious in the pursuit of what she believes to be right, Governors, staff and pupils are united in wishing her every success in her future ventures. 

"The Governing Body has appointed Jonathan Curtis, currently Deputy Head, to be the acting Headteacher with effect from Tuesday 3rd May.

Ruth Johnson has issued the following statement to parents.

"I am writing to tell you that I have given notice to the Governing Body that with effect from the summer I will be retiring from headship. 

"I have wanted to step down this year as there are a number of things I plan to do in the future. I have been asked to play a leading role in the further development of vocational education in Rwanda and East Africa, where I have already supported the establishment of a new secondary school in Kigali, and there is an opportunity for a key visit in the next few months.  Therefore the Governors have kindly agreed for me to bring forward this planned retirement in order for me to be able to take advantage of this.  

"In order to ensure a smooth transition, the Governors have been able to put in place strong leadership from next week and I am confident that my senior team will rise to the challenge at this time of change. 

"Whilst I feel that there is still much that needs to be done at Sarum, I recognise that allowing the Governors to appoint new leadership immediately will support the rapid progress we have all been working so hard to achieve.

"I have been immensely proud to be the Principal of Sarum Academy and I wish its pupils, staff and families every good wish and success for the future."

Sarum Academy in Westwood Road was rated as 'requires improvement' by Ofsted in January 2015.

A follow-up inspection report published in June last year found "achievement has improved significantly overall and for all groups of students, including those who are disadvantaged. Achievement is now good across a wide range of subjects."

But in January of this year, the school was ranked among the worst performing secondary schools in England for GCSE results.

This was in spite of a ten per cent improvement in the number of pupils achieving five A* to C grades, compared with the previous year.

The school had 462 pupils on its roll in January 2015.