When Mark Vickers joined Manhood Community College in Selsey as headteacher the school had just been placed in special measures.

That was in January, 2005 – since then, with the support, effort and dedication of staff, pupils and the community, he has turned the school into one the whole community can be proud of.

Mr Vickers said: "It was taken out of special measures in record time and last year's examination results broke through the 50 per cent barrier for the first time for students achieving five A* to Cs.

"Our value-added score also placed us in the top 25 per cent of schools nationally and this year we are expecting to break the 60 per cent barrier for students achieving five A* to Cs.

"The school has become very popular and for the first time we have a waiting list for next year's Year 7s. And in September we are due to become a specialist science college."

He credited the success to the whole school community.

"We are delighted with the progress the school has made over the past few years, which is down to the huge amount of effort by staff and students who have responded well," Mr Vickers said.

The school's successes have been recognised by education experts and Mr Vickers has now been chosen to help out nationally with the National Children's Bureau, strategies and consultative work.

Although excited about the new challenge, Mr Vickers was keen to stress he will not be leaving Manhood College – simply taking on a different role and allowing colleagues to move up the teaching ladder.

"It is not a case of stepping down and I don't see it as leaving because I am not. I will still continue to be leader of the school but just move into a more strategic role," he said.

"The structure will allow the school to benefit from some of my links with national agencies and for Jackie Shepheard to take on the operational headship and the responsibility for the day-to-day management of the school with my support.

"Carol Gilmour, who is now assistant headteacher, will be the deputy head. She has also just been appointed a trainee headteacher by the National College for School Leadership as part of the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) programme."

Every parent and carer was sent a detailed letter explaining the changes by chairman of governors Gilly McNee and invited to attend a meeting to discuss the changes.


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