TEACHERS at an all-girls school have been reassured a restructure “is not a cost-saving exercise” and there are “no planned redundancies.”

Parents of pupils studying at St Mary’s Senior School for Girls, located in Lexden Road, Colchester, were sent a letter this week from principal Nicola Griffiths.

It detailed proposals for a suggested new structure for the educational intuition’s academic and patrol management departments.

The plans are reported to have the full support of the school’s governors and a three-week consolation period is now underway, which staff “may find difficult.”

Gazette:

During that time staff will be encouraged to contribute their ideas and opinions but have been instructed not to speak about the discussions with students and parents.

A spokeswoman for St Mary’s has now promised the structural changes will not result in employees losing their jobs and is being implemented for the benefit of the pupils.

She said: “On Monday a new structure for the academic and pastoral management within the senior school was proposed at St Mary’s.

“It is not a cost saving exercise and there are no planned redundancies included in the proposed structure.

“The senior management and governors are consulting with staff in a collaborative and open manner.

“The school, under a new principal, continues to be focussed on delivering a brilliantly balanced education.

“The structure is designed to improve the educational offer whilst maintaining the special ethos of St Mary’s.”

Despite the reassurances, principal Griffiths, who took over from headteacher Hilary Vipond in September, asked parents to keep news of the restructure closely guarded.

Gazette:

In her leaked letter she said: “The proposal is to simplify the management structure so we can deliver even better academic and pastoral support to your daughters.

“Teachers may find this time difficult, however, I want to assure you they will all be supported.

“We need to keep the consultation period calm and professional, so the learning of students is not disrupted.

“I would appreciate it if you could be discrete about the [new structure] – please do not share more widely on social media or with third parties.

“We want staff and students to focus on the provision of excellent education for your daughters.”