'Heavy heart' as Trafalgar School's headteacher steps down after taking 'personal time' to reflect
The secondary headteacher has made the “hugely difficult decision” to step down after being “central” to the school for nine years.
Parents have been informed that the executive headteacher at Trafalgar School, Hilsea, will be leaving her position at the end of this term for “new and exciting challenges”.
Claire Copeland took on the role nine years ago and a letter, which was sent out earlier this month, has praised her for her “invaluable” efforts to “shape and nurture” the school and its students.
The correspondence, signed by Nys Hardingham, CEO of Salterns Academy Trust, and Claire Haque, chair of governors, says: “As many of you will be aware, Mrs Copeland has had to take some time away from the school for personal reasons, and during this time has reflected on her own future and next steps.
“After a great deal of thought and consideration, she has made the hugely difficult decision to step away from her position.”
Mrs Copeland said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to leave Salterns Academy Trust at the end of this term for new and exciting challenges. It has been the greatest privilege of my career to lead Trafalgar School.
“We have built a very special and wonderful school that delivers an exceptional education for the young people in our community, and I have loved every second. Your children deserve the very best education, and I am confident that they will continue to receive this in the next stage of Trafalgar’s journey.
“Thank you for all your support over the last nine years, I wish you all the very best for the future.”
Over the coming weeks, the school, which is part of the Salterns Academy Trust, has confirmed it will be looking at ways to replace Mrs Copeland with “real pace and purpose”.
“We would like to thank Mrs Copeland for everything she has done for our school. She leaves us with our deepest gratitude, and we wish her the very best for her next steps”, the letter explained.