Karen Godsall named interim principal at New Forest Academy

Karen Godsall has been named interim boss at New Forest Academy after the resignation of Andrew Dyer.

Mr Dyer stood down due to "personal circumstances" according to bosses at the 540-student academy, formerly Hardley School and Sixth-Form.

Speaking after her first day as principal yesterday, Mrs Godsall said: “I have witnessed excellent student behaviour and teachers who are fully committed to the academy.”

Mrs Godsall will be in charge until at least the end of the school year.

She was a senior teacher at The Purbeck School, Dorset, and also has 15 years’ experience as an English teacher.

Mr Dyer took over the reins at the school in Long Lane, Hardley, in early 2008 and it was under his leadership that the school became an academy in September 2012.

Former New Forest Academy prinicpal Andrew Dyer

Former New Forest Academy principal Andrew Dyer

Former colleagues and governors paid tribute to him upon his departure.

Hampshire county councillor Alexis McEvoy, a school’s governors, said: “I was shocked and saddened to hear that Mr Dyer had decided to leave New Forest Academy.

“He has been an excellent ambassador for the school within the community and thought very highly of by staff, students, parents and governors. His skills will be greatly missed and I wish him well for whatever he chooses to do in the future.”

In a statement, chairman of governors Lisa Hayes thanked him for his six years of service, saying: “He has represented the academy locally through leading the New Forest principals’ group and has brought about many successful initiatives for the students through his work with local businesses, head teachers of other local schools as well as Local Authority contacts within Hampshire.

“He has personally taught many of New Forest Academy’s students and assisted them in gaining crucial grades for the next steps in their education.

“Governors, staff and students wish him well and trust that he will soon be able to re-enter the education service.”

But the Daily Echo revealed how the school was placed in special measures earlier this month after a damning inspection report from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsed).

Ofsted branded the school “inadequate”, the lowest ranking given by inspectors, criticising poor GCSE results and accusing staff of not inspiring their pupils.

The watchdog said some teachers had failed to set or mark homework, while spelling errors and factual mistakes in students’ work was often ignored.