Primary headteacher to retire

THE headteacher at Bitham Brook Primary School says he is ‘immensely proud’ of the pupils, ahead of his retirement at the end of the school year. 

David Ross was appointed as headteacher seven years ago. He began his career as a secondary maths teacher at John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge and then became head of maths. Following this, he become a maths advisor for Wiltshire Council before moving to the head of school support, where he began working with primary schools. 

After moving back into teaching, taking deputy headship jobs, the opportunity arose to become the head at Bitham Brook. 

David said, “It will be very sad for me to leave Bitham Brook as we have all worked together to establish such a strong school family.

“We are very blessed to have such a strong, talented and committed staff who, I have no doubt, will sustain and build on the successes that we have enjoyed. I would also give an enormous thank you to all of the families who have been so supportive and encouraging. Success only comes through a strong partnership between home and school, which we have in abundance at Bitham Brook. 

“I am immensely proud of the children, for the way in which they show enthusiasm for all the learning opportunities that they are given, for the way in which they care for and support each other and for their exemplary behaviour whenever they represent the school.

“My highlight of working at Bitham Brook has to be working with the children. They are all so enthusiastic about school and really buy in to our work to build their self-esteem and build them to become life-long learners. 

“I have a new granddaughter, she is eight months old, so my retirement will give me the chance to spend more time with her, as she lives in Southampton. 

“I hope to still work in education, whether that be part-time or ad-hoc. I am also a member of the Maranatha Community Church, which meets every Sunday at the John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge, so hope to do more work with them. 

“I can’t wait to travel, I have finally booked myself a holiday in September, something that I’ve never been able to do working in schools! I have a keen interest in photography as well, so will be able to practise whilst I am away. 

“Of course, it will give me more time to spend with my three grown-up children and my wife.”

The governors will now begin the process of recruiting a successor, who is expected to be in place in September for the start of the new autumn term.

Above: Headteacher David Ross (left) with MP Andrew Murrison and students during his ‘British Values’ visit.