A HEADTEACHER has revealed a critical Ofsted report was one of the main reasons he turned down a job at Colchester’s biggest secondary school.

Steven Clark decided to stay at Tabor Science College, Braintree, rather than take the reins at Philip Morant School.

He withdrew from the job 19 days before he was due to start.

The Ofsted report has yet to be made public, but Mr Clark said the inspectors raised concerns about the quality of teaching and students’ achievement.

Mr Clark took full responsibility for Tabor’s position and is determined it makes “remarkable progress”. He said: “I think the Ofsted decision was the catalyst and confirmed my feelings and judgment.”

Mr Clark agreed in November to replace Philip Morant headteacher Sue Cowans, who retired last month. His U-turn has left the school without a head until Roger Abo Henriksen takes over in September this year.

Meanwhile, the deputy headteachers are undertaking the acting headteacher role.

Mr Clark said Philip Morant’s governors were incredibly supportive of his decision.

He also said he is pleased former Tabor headteacher Mr Abo Henriksen has been appointed.

He said: “I am genuinely pleased for Philip Morant and Roger because I think he will do a really good job there.”

Ofsted inspectors are due to return to monitor progress at Tabor Science College later in the year. In a letter to parents, Mr Clark said he will remain at Tabor well into the future.

He wrote: “I cannot and will not leave the school while there is so much still to be done and I am determined we all hold fast to the achievable, yet challenging, ambition of being outstanding in every respect.

“Our recent visit from Ofsted highlighted some key areas we need to focus on, including most significantly consistency in both the quality of teaching and students achievement.”

Mr Clark went on to say the school, which recorded a 45 per cent GCSE pass rate at A* to C including English and maths last year, has huge potential and some of the best facilities in the country.