It is with enormous sadness that Mrs Kathryn Bell has made the very difficult decision to step down as Head of Burgess Hill Girls at the end of this academic term, March 2017. Over the past year she has experienced a considerable change in her physical health and, despite making strenuous efforts to minimise the impact on the school, the situation is not sustainable and therefore she believes that stepping down at this time is the right action to take. In due course, when fully fit, she intends to resume her interests and career.
Mrs Bell would like to take this opportunity to thank the Governing Body for their understanding in what has been, for her, a most difficult decision. She is grateful that they have given due consideration to her health and wellbeing. Mrs Bell is proud to have held the position of Head at Burgess Hill Girls and is exceedingly grateful to the Chair of Governors and Governing Body for appointing her. She has led the School on an exciting journey to become what it is today, an outstanding educational establishment, fit for the 21st century girl, poised to further its journey of continuing development, innovation and outstanding academic performance.
The Governing Body would like express their appreciation for all the hard work Mrs Bell has done and on behalf of the whole school community wish her a speedy return to full health and good luck in her future professional career.
I would like to reassure you that the School will continue to operate as normal and on behalf of the Board of Governors, I am delighted to let you know that we have offered Mrs Liz Laybourn the position of Interim Head. This interim appointment will give the School the stability it needs to allow the Governing Body to fully consider the longer term position. Mrs Laybourn has the full support of the Governing Body, the Senior Leadership Team and the staff to enable the School to operate as normal.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Alison Smith
Chair of Board of Governors